Hexham will see crucial changes made to three level crossings take effect from tomorrow (Friday 12 May), improving rail safety in the Northumberland town.
- Vehicles will no longer be allowed to use Bells level crossing, as it will be downgraded from a public highway to a bridleway. Newly-installed telephones will enable horse riders to cross safely.
- Tyne Green level crossing and footpath will be permanently closed, with pedestrians now using Bells level crossing around 100 metres away.
- Spital level crossing will also be downgraded to a bridleway, with pedestrians, cyclists and horses still able to use it.
The changes have allowed for the creation of an additional route on the riverside of the railway and improvements to be carried out to the existing riverside route.
There were five accidental deaths at the nearly six thousand level crossings in England, Scotland and Wales in 2022/23.
Darren Lord, Route Level Crossing Manager for Network Rail, said: “This project has been discussed for many years and has been carried out with the full backing and involvement of the Northumberland County Council and Hexham Town Council.
“Both Bells and Spital crossings were skewed previously, but we've changed these so that pedestrians are able to cross in a straight line. This will shorten the time that users are on the railway by making it quicker and safer for them to cross.”
