Ufton Nervet level crossing. Options

[Gazzadp]

Interesting piece on Meridian Tonight this evening regarding the level crossing at Ufton Nervet, just a shame that ITV Meridian had to go with the "Countries most dangerous level crossing" line. The level crossing there is no more dangerous than the hundreds of others through the UK.

Thankfully the guy from Network Rail was quick to point out that the crossing there is not inherently dangerous in itself or its design, as all the deaths at the Ufton Nervet crossing have ALL been the result of "crossing misuse"!

Obviously that does not and should not ever detract from the the loss of life caused by the fatal derailing, but people need to bear in mind NO crossing is safe when it comes to a suicidal person, wishing to get a vehicle on the tracks.

[On the edge]

Frankly, I've got some sympathy with the railways. We aren't good at transport in this country; delay isn't seen as the costly issue it really is by our 'leaders'. The cost of things like crossing replacements isn't just down to the rail people. For instance, how many years did we have to sit and fume at Cow Lane in Reading whilst the Councils refused any help! Your extra 20 minutes journey time isn't seen as important.

[blackdog]

Easy to replace? I would suggest than many are easier?

I'm no expert (not even close) but it's a simple bridge, plenty of space to build it - where do they come easier? Just thinking of the few that I know (any sort of gated road crossing) - Thatcham, cramped, adjacent canal and river, station access; Hamstead Marshall, better but still constrained to the south; Wokingham - in the middle of the town. I'm sure there will be plenty more as easy as Ufton, but there can't be many easier road crossings unless they can simply close the road.

[Biker1]

I'm no expert (not even close) but it's a simple bridge, plenty of space to build it - where do they come easier? Just thinking of the few that I know (any sort of gated road crossing) - Thatcham, cramped, adjacent canal and river, station access; Hamstead Marshall, better but still constrained to the south; Wokingham - in the middle of the town. I'm sure there will be plenty more as easy as Ufton, but there can't be many easier road crossings unless they can simply close the road.

Fair comment bd but, to be clear, I was actually referring to AHBC's.
Anyway, decision made, it will be done. It would seem that NR are removing a reputation rather than an increased physical danger.

[On the edge]

I'm no expert (not even close) but it's a simple bridge, plenty of space to build it - where do they come easier? Just thinking of the few that I know (any sort of gated road crossing) - Thatcham, cramped, adjacent canal and river, station access; Hamstead Marshall, better but still constrained to the south; Wokingham - in the middle of the town. I'm sure there will be plenty more as easy as Ufton, but there can't be many easier road crossings unless they can simply close the road.

The replacement doesn't necessarily need to be in exactly the same place. Thatcham is a good example, where if there had been some even just adequate thought in past strategic plans, a better crossing would have been in place and paid for by now.

[blackdog]

The replacement doesn't necessarily need to be in exactly the same place. Thatcham is a good example, where if there had been some even just adequate thought in past strategic plans, a better crossing would have been in place and paid for by now.

Moving the crossing is a solution to the problem, but not a cheap one. The fact remains that Ufton is an easy, cheap (if £8million can ever be deemed cheap) crossing to remove from the system.

It's never been Ufton or Thatcham just Ufton or some other similar location somewhere else in the country.

[Biker1]

£8M, cost of progress maybe??
Ufton was never a safety issue when it was controlled by a signalman in an adjacent box!!

[On the edge]

£8M, cost of progress maybe??
Ufton was never a safety issue when it was controlled by a signalman in an adjacent box!!

Very good point!

[Biker1]

" the scene of one of the worst train crashes in the country "?
Unfortunately it has a long way to go to reach that dubious accolade.