Network Rail has promised that the new footpath it has installed at Gipsy Lane in Needham Market, Suffolk, is safer than the pedestrian level crossing that it replaced.

Network Rail began the project last year, but had been aiming to close the level crossing since Olive McFarland was killed while using it in 2011.

After the fatal incident, Network Rail imposed a temporary speed restriction on trains and reduced the crossing distance by straightening the crossing and re-positioning the gate.

This reduced the risk to pedestrians while Network Rail developed its long-term plans for providing an alternative.

Network Rail has worked with the local community and Suffolk County Council to progress the plans for closure.

Public consultation showed that local people supported plans to divert level-crossing users. The diversion uses a dry channel of an existing culvert underpass about 230 metres north of Gipsy Lane.

Creating the new path involved building a footpath through private land on both sides of the railway, linking with Stowmarket Road.

There is a memorial plaque for Olive McFarland at the entrance to the culvert.

Network Rail will also be removing the whistleboard that is used by train drivers to sound their horn when approaching the level crossing in order to alert pedestrians. Network Rail engineers will need to carry out this work when trains are not running, on a date which has not yet been set.

Now the level crossing has been closed, Network Rail is lifting the temporary speed restriction, allowing trains to run through the area at a line speed of seventy miles per hour. This is expected to improve the performance of train services along the Great Eastern Main Line.

Last year Network Rail also installed new safety equipment at three level crossings in rural locations in Norfolk. The new equipment means that people using the crossings with vehicles do not need to call the signaller to get permission to cross.

“This closure has been a long time coming and I’m pleased that we’ve finally been able to build a safer walking route for people to cross this very busy stretch of railway. This will significantly improve safety for everyone who needs to cross the railway at Gipsy Lane and for those working and travelling on it. Thank you to the support of Suffolk County Council and our contractor Taziker in making this a reality.”

Katie Frost, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia