Network Rail completes crossing barrier programme

Network Rail’s final two open level crossings have been upgraded, marking the completion of a three-year national programme.

Sixty-six automatic open level crossings (AOCLs) - where the train driver previously had to ensure the crossing was clear before proceeding - have now been fitted with modular barrier systems to reduce the risk of road vehicles colliding with trains.

Network Rail began the works in response to a Rail Accident Investigation Branch report that identified AOCLs as those with the highest risk of a collision on public roads, in the wake of a fatal accident at Halkirk in Scotland in 2009.

A modular approach meant that half-barriers could be retrofitted to existing signalling systems, instead of a costly conversion to a conventional barrier design.

• For more on this, read RAIL 790, published on December 23.