600th level crossing closed

摘要

Network Rail has closed its 600th level crossing as part of a national programme to reduce accidents. The user-worked crossing, at West Lodge on the Newcastle to Carlisle line, had been the site of a fatality in 2008 which led to upgraded gates and signage, while NR continued discussions with the landowners to seek its closure. Phil Verster, route managing director for Network Rail, said:"Level crossings are an inherited part of the infrastructure which we would never put in place today and we are constantly seeking ways to reduce risks at them." Nationally, NR is looking to close 750 level crossings by spring 2014.