For the first time in over 50 years, pedestrians at Lostwithiel in Cornwall will no longer be delayed when the barriers at the level crossing at Lostwithiel in Cornwall are lowered.
The original footbridge at Lostwithiel was removed in the 1960s, and now Network Rail has come up with a design for a temporary footbridge to be erected next to the railway station.
It will benefit people who need to cross the railway and prevent the level crossing from being misused.
Bogdan Lupu, Network Rail industry programme director
The temporary bridge will be erected this summer while Network Rail develops plans for a permanent replacement.
Pedestrians will no longer need to wait when barriers at the level crossing on Grenville Road are down, and passengers will be able to cross the line safely between platforms one and two.
On average, the barriers at the level crossing, which is on the Cornish main line, are lowered to stop traffic for 22 minutes an hour. The only other alternative crossing over the railway in Lostwithiel is on the A390 Liddicoat Road north of the town.
A previous design for a permanent bridge over the railway was rejected, as it did not meet stringent safety criteria. Since then, Network Rail has been developing other plans for a permanent bridge, and when they are finalised, they will be submitted to the Department for Transport for approval.
We believe in putting passengers first, so we're installing a temporary bridge to give the local community the connectivity it needs while we pull together plans for the permanent bridge.
It will benefit people who need to cross the railway and prevent the level crossing from being misused. We've been working hard for a long time to solve this problem of crossing the railway, and this first step shows our commitment to Lostwithiel.
Bogdan Lupu, Network Rail industry programme director
The connection across Lostwithiel main line is very important and I welcome the temporary construction until a more permanent construction can be made.
This is something local people asked me for and I have worked with former mayor Tim Hughes to make this a reality.
Sheryll Murray, MP for South East Cornwall
Providing this connection is important for the local community and we're pleased to be able to support their wishes in helping to fund the return of the bridge.
This is a great example of our partnership with Network Rail and GWR and commitment to improving railway infrastructure for passengers and our communities.
Richard Williams-Pears, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport
We know how important the footbridge is for our customers, and for everyone who lives and works in Lostwithiel.
It is great to see that Network Rail is going to be able to install a temporary solution for this summer, while developing plans for the permanent replacement.
Lee Goodson, Great Western Railway East Cornwall station manager
I think it’s a requirement now for wheelchair access to be provided.
Love the artist’s impression.
Is it a genuine Turner?
If the artists impression is correct then I am impressed. No ramps and no lifts. However, how have we managed all these years without a footbridge? Why has it suddenly become a necessity?
There seem to be whole depts around looking for ways to waste taxpayers money on frivolous, unnecessary projects.
I also question the need to replace the semaphore signals at this location as the signalbox seems to still be functioning.
I would appreciate an explanation of why a bridge is necessary at this location.
I’m very surprised that the artists impression doesn’t include ramps for disabled people.