Network Rail considers changes to Ufton Nervet crossing
A spokesman for the railway authority, Chris Denham, said it was carrying out a survey and could not rule out any possible changes to the crossing, including the possibility of a bridge being built or a full barrier being installed.
“The only thing we can rule out is the crossing being closed,” he said.
“We welcome the input of local people and understand their concerns, which is why we are looking at different options and doing this survey.”
There are three options open to Network Rail should it wish to modify any crossing, it can close it, build a bridge across, or place full barriers.
It is not a full consultation, however West Berkshire Council will have some input into the survey.
Network Rail said the local feeling was to keep the crossing open as it provides a vital transport link around the county, and by ruling out closure it looks like changes will finally be brought in following the high-profile tragedies which put Ufton Nervet in the national spotlight.
In June the rail industry refused to buckle over calls to make alterations to the level crossing despite another death at the notorious spot last week.
Following the tragic events of November 2004 when seven people died and hundreds were injured after a train hit a car parked across the tracks and several other deaths and near misses in the intervening years, on Tuesday, teacher David Montague, a 45-year-old father of two, from Woodley, was killed when his scooter was hit by a high speed train.
A survivor of the 2004 crash, Jane Hakwer, from Newbury, called for a full barrier to be installed at the crossing to prevent vehicles driving on to the tracks when a train approaches.
The Newbury Weekly News and website Newburytoday.co.uk was contacted by several other people who asked for the same change to be made.
Anyone who wishes to add their voice is advised to contact the Network Rail helpline on 08457 114141.