I received the following communication from Network Rail regarding the closure of multiple train line crossing points.
There are only a couple that will have a direct effect on the local residents
more details can be found here
The email –
Dear councillor,
I’m writing to update you on our proposals to close or modify 57 level crossings in Essex, Thurrock, Hertfordshire and the London Borough of Havering.
Background
As you may be aware from previous correspondence and earlier consultation phases, we applied for a Transport and Works Act Order in 2017 to obtain the powers to close or modify these crossings. The Secretary of State for Transport has now granted us powers for 37 of these.
Full details of the powers granted and a copy of the Secretary of State’s report can be found on here.
Closing crossings and diverting users to alternative routes will make the railway safer by reducing the number of points where people can come into contact with trains. The changes will help deliver a more efficient and reliable railway for the taxpayer, passengers and freight users, reducing ongoing operating and maintenance costs, delays to trains, pedestrians and other highway users.
Crossings Affected
We’ll now begin work to close or modify the following 37 crossings (if not already closed):
• Old Lane, CM19 5DS
• Camps, CM19 5DY
• Parndon Mill, CM20 2HR
• Elsenham Hut, CM22 6JL
• Ugley Lane, CM22 6JD
• Henham, CB11 3XP
• Elephant, CB11 3PE
• Windmills, CB11 3TT
• Parsonage Lane/Margaretting, CM4 9JJ
• Maldon Road, CM4 9JS
• Noakes, CM3 3HH
• Snivillers, CO5 9AY
• Hill House 1, CO5 9EN
• Great Domsey, CO5 9EP
• Long Green, CO6 1XP
• Church 2, CO3 8NE
• Barbara Close, SS4 1NQ
• Whipps Farmers, RM14 3PJ
• Ferry, SS7 1NR
• Brickyard Farm, SS8 0QT
• Cranes No. 1, CM77 8NU
• Cranes No.2, CM8 1RN
• Great Bentley Stn., CO7 8LU
• Lords No. 1, CO7 8NX
• Bluehouse, CO13 0EP
• Wheatsheaf, CO11 2TQ
• Trinity Lane, EN8 7EP
• Cadmore Lane, EN8 9SA
• Tednambury, CM23 4BD
• Gilston, CM23 4AS
• Johnsons, CM23 2AH
• Butts Lane, RM11 3NA
• Woodhall Cres, RM11 3ST
• Manor Farm, RM14 2TZ
• No 131, RM19 1SX
• Howells Farm, SS17 9EY
• Abbotts, CO7 7RS
It’s worth noting we’ve received powers to close nine level crossings on the first day the powers come into effect (30 June). Five of these are already closed so in practice this will only affect four crossings. These are: Parsonage Lane, Barbara Close, Butts Lane, and Woodhall Crescent. I have highlighted these in bold above for ease of reference.
Communications
We’ve published a press release and will be writing to local people to keep residents, passengers and level crossing users informed as we progress with these closures and modifications. Before proceeding with work on any crossings, we’ll work with landowners and the relevant local highways authorities to agree the final steps in the design process, such as finalising planning permission where necessary. We’ll publish further updates once this programme has been confirmed.
Where we close public crossings, users will be diverted to an existing nearby alternative or along a new public route to a nearby alternative. We aim to keep disruption to a minimum while the works are completed.
I hope this update is helpful. If you’d like a more detailed briefing on what we’re doing in your area, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me using the details below.
Kind regards,
Marian
Marian Craig | Public Affairs Manager | Anglia route | Network Rail
07999 721133 One Stratford Place | Montfichet Road | London | E20 1EJ
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I received the following update to my query
Good afternoon Cllr Middleton,
Thanks for your email about our level crossing closures. I can confirm that both Butts Lane and Woodhall Crescent crossings will close permanently on 30 June (the date the powers come in to force). I’ve attached some information about the closure which indicates an alternative suggested route.
This will be delivered to people living near Butts Lane and Woodhall Crescent crossings but you’re welcome to share this more widely with residents as I recognise that not everyone will be covered by the leaflet drop.
It’s worth noting that this is part of an Anglia-wide effort to reduce the risk posed by level crossings. You can read more about this on our website: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/anglia/improving-the-railway-in-anglia/anglia-level-crossing-proposals/
I hope this information is helpful, but please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any further queries.
Kind regards,
Marian
