Ashford Bowdler level crossing to get upgrade
Network Rail is to upgrade and improve safety at Ashford Bowdler level crossing.
The upgrade, which will see the current half barriers replaced by full barriers, is part of a £75 million project to modernise the railway between Newport and Shrewsbury, with new signalling technology installed along the route.
The decision to proceed with the upgrade was taken following a consultation exercise with the local community. As well as the upgrade option, Network Rail also explored the possibility of closing the crossing.
Network Rail held a public meeting in Ashford Bowdler at the beginning of January to present the options and listen to the views of the community. Local residents made it clear that they wanted to retain the level crossing and their preference was for the crossing to be upgraded.
The company had been looking to close the crossing, effectively cutting the village in half, but after strong objections from the local community they have decided to upgrade to full barriers.
Philip Dunne MP has welcomed the decision, saying:
“This is a really positive outcome for Ashford Bowdler residents. Ashford Bowdler is a conservation village which has had a crossing for approximately 150 years. In that time there have been no accidents, so the argument Network Rail put forward about improving safety did not stack up. Closing the crossing would have effectively cut the village in half, and forced motorists to turn onto a busy corner in order to get around.
"As soon as the possibility of closure was announced, I fought with local residents to maintain the level crossing. The whole village was united behind keeping it open, and I am pleased Network Rail have decided to respect their wishes.”
Christine Booth, operations risk advisor for Network Rail, said:
“We are developing a £75 million project to modernise the railway between Newport and Shrewsbury with new signalling technology installed along the route. As part of this scheme, we are looking at how we can reduce risk at level crossings in this area.
“After meeting with the community in Ashford Bowdler, we have decided upgrading the crossing is the best option to balance the need of improving safety with the concerns of local residents if the crossing was downgraded or closed.”
