Steve Brine met up with a team from Network Rail on Friday 5th August as he was briefed on plans for a new footbridge at the level crossing by Sutherlands Way in Chandler's Ford.
Network Rail are holding a public information session from 12-4pm on Saturday 6th August at the Ritchie Memorial Hall, where they will answer questions and update the community on the proposed changes, which will see a stepped footbridge replace the level crossing.
Network Rail are aiming to reduce risk at level crossings across the whole Wessex Route, and this crossing has been assessed as the 7th most dangerous in the region. They have witnessed three incidents of misuse in the last year alone, one of which involved two young girls, and they briefed Steve Brine on evidence of deliberate misuse and user error.
They also told of the dangerous combination with the sheer number of trains that pass through each day, as well as the speed at which they travel, making them very concerned for the safety of the pedestrians using the crossing.
Steve Brine said: "Useful to get a briefing from the route enhancement team at Network Rail ahead of them presenting their plans to residents tomorrow afternoon in Chandler's Ford. I understand they have to assess the risk of all level crossings and safety, especially for young people, has to be paramount.
"It's a shame there's to be no step free access across the railway line when the new bridge is built but I understand the restraints of the site and its immediate proximity to neighbours is quite constraining. I will continue to liaise with local councillors, including the parish council, to ensure all feedback from constituents is heard."
The work is due to begin in October and set to take around three months.
More information ...
Find out more about the information day here
