40950 ‘Non-operational’ foot crossing in Warnham, Sussex

November 2010 in Network Rail and Suppliers

Level Crossings South East

A non-operational, user worked gate crossing in Warnham is the subject of concern for one reporter.

Though gates and miniature warning lights were installed five years ago, the gates are still padlocked barring public access. This crossing replaced the original level crossing as part of a re-signalling scheme. As shown in the photographs, a black bag has been placed over the signage and the warning lights.

Despite the fact the lights appear to work beneath their covering, the crossing is not open to the public. The telephones are also in full working order, so the reporter cannot understand why the crossing cannot be opened for public use. The only other means of crossing the line is to use the subway at the station. On occasion, the subway has been flooded, meaning there has been no access across the line at all for the public. The fear is that someone may climb over the gates in frustration and put themselves in danger.

The reporter would like to know:

• what is the reason for the delay in opening this crossing given that the equipment is fully functional; and
• when is the crossing likely to be opened?

Response from Network Rail

Thank you for your enquiry. The level crossing has been out of use for longer than normal as we are resolving issues concerning the crossing width between pedestrian and road/rail access. In the week commencing the 24 May 2010, there is a possession of the line booked for Network Rail teams to look to resolve the issues raised regarding the crossing width. This should then resolve the previously raised concerns and subject to inspection, allow normal operation at a date to be confirmed in the future. In week 26 (starting 26 September 2010) the strike-in treadles will be re-positioned. During weeks 28 to 30 (starting 10 October 2010) the crossing will be commissioned and then fully reopened following single line working to establish the timing sequence in the unlikely event of wrong line working.