Ufton Nervet bridge plans 'a relief for all'
Jane Hawker, who survived the 2004 rail tragedy, says plans to replace level crossing is 'welcome news'
A SURVIVOR of the 2004 Ufton Nervet rail tragedy has spoken of her relief after plans to replace the level crossing with a bridge were submitted.
Seven people died and more than 120 were injured when a train hit a car which had been deliberately parked on the crossing and derailed.
On the eve of the 10-year anniversary of the fatal incident, Network Rail confirmed it had found the £8m it needed to build the bridge.
The rail giant formally submitted the plans last month and Jane Hawker, who escaped the tragedy with minor injuries said it was a relief all round.
Speaking exclusively to the Newbury Weekly News, Mrs Hawker said: “This is very welcome news at long last.
“There will be disruption to the local area, but I hope that everyone will get behind this application and help to make the bridge a reality.
“It must be a relief to all concerned – the bereaved, survivors, local residents, and the staff of Network Rail and First Great Western – when there is no longer a level crossing at Ufton Nervet.”
Since the tragedy on November 6, 2004, a further four people have died at the crossing, taking the number of fatalities to 11 in the past 11 years.
Plans for a bridge have been met with some hostility locally, with Ufton Nervet resident Peter Newell and former Mortimer district councillor Geoff Mayes both claiming that a full barrier crossing with CCTV cameras would be a more cost effective and sensible option.
However at a public meeting at Sulhamstead and Ufton Nervet Village Hall last month, in which it unveiled the bridge plans for the first time, Network Rail insisted a bridge was the only suitable option.
The rail operator says that the majority of the work can be achieved without having to close Ufton Lane.
The bridge will be no more than 29ft high, have earth banks on either side and be planted with trees and other flora.
According to Network Rail, around 150 trains, including stopping services, through trains and freight trains, pass through Ufton Nervet every day.
