Posted on Monday 16th October 2023
A £1.9 million cycling and walking scheme is being proposed in Burton, on the back of proposals to permanently close a long-shut level crossing on safety grounds.
The scheme will see a widened footpath and new cycle lane installed where the B5018 Burton Road crosses over the Derby to Birmingham rail line in Branston, to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
Staffordshire County Council is seeking views on the proposal, which will take around one year to complete.
At the same time, an informal consultation is running regarding the permanent closure of the level crossing at Warren Lane.
Network Rail initially took the decision to close the level crossing due to safety concerns in 2012. From 2005 until its closure, one fatality and 12 near misses were recorded at the level crossing. The level crossing has remained closed since 2012.
The new cycleway and footpath scheme is being proposed to create a safer crossing for pedestrians and cyclists, and can only go ahead if the Warren Lane level crossing is permanently closed.
David Williams, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said:
Trains run at up to 125mph on this stretch of line, which can often be foggy due to local conditions, and there was a series of near misses there before the crossing was closed as an emergency safety measure.
We agree with Network Rail that this level crossing should never be reinstated because the risk of a tragedy there is too high.”
He added: “Burton Road has always been used as the alternate route and we are aware of local concern regarding the width of the footpath on the bridge, particularly as the community has grown in recent years and more people use it every day.
Therefore, our proposal to build a £1.9 million cycleway and footpath will make it safer for pedestrians to cross the rail line, and will help accommodate the increase numbers of people walking and cycling at this location.”
Joe Rowberry, Head of Health, Safety and Environment for Network Rail’s East Midlands route, said:
We’re working together with Staffordshire County Council to find a solution that best meets the needs of local residents while not impacting on their personal safety.
Network Rail closed the level crossing at Branston on safety grounds after a number of near misses and a tragic fatality, and we are keen to see an alternative, safe proposal delivered so that the wellbeing of those crossing over the railway line as well as passengers and train crew is not compromised.”
The informal consultation on the closure of the level crossing will run until 27 November. People in the local area wishing to respond to the consultation need to write to: Robin Carr Associates, Public Rights of Way Management & Consultancy Services, Meadow Barn, Main Street, Kneesall, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG22 0AD (quoting Reference RCA/SCC/PPO 046).
The consultation on the cycleway and footpath proposals ends on 27 November. Details including an initial design of the scheme can be accessed here.