Ufton Nervet Bridge (again) Options

[Lee]

As per the person commenting in the new article, why build a bridge?
Surely money spent on full width barriers would be a better use of funds?

Given the traffic volumes vs Thatcham level crossing for example, it seems crazy to spend £10m on a UN bridge.

[Biker1]

Ufton Crossing is being removed due to public demand and the fact that, due to media interest and various incidents there, it now has a notorious reputation.

There are many other AHB crossings in the country including 3 more on our main line down to Exeter. I presume they will remain?
Are they (or perhaps the people that use them) less dangerous?

Network Rail policy is for crossing removal where possible so, if any work is to be done to improve the crossing, it will entail it's removal.
Have a look at this and perhaps you will see why!

[The Hatter]

It might be because people just don't recognise the flashing lights as stop signs, it's easy to confuse as lots of vans and trucks use their flashers just to warn people they are parked. If the usual traffic lights were used, it might solve the problem because nearly all drivers stop for them.

[Biker1]

It might be because people just don't recognise the flashing lights as stop signs, it's easy to confuse

Unbelievable!!!!!!

[Turin Machine]

I thought that. It kinda demonstrates though that some people are so terminally dense that
a; they are beyond redemption, and
b;perhaps we shouldn't try.

Another thought is perhaps transfer some resources from hounding motorists who stray over the speed limit on straight, well maintained any unpopulated roads and put some traffic light cameras up at crossings to catch the people who are truly dangerous.

[Andy Capp]

I thought that. It kinda demonstrates though that some people are so terminally dense that
a; they are beyond redemption, and
b;perhaps we shouldn't try.

Another thought is perhaps transfer some resources from hounding motorists who stray over the speed limit on straight, well maintained any unpopulated roads and put some traffic light cameras up at crossings to catch the people who are truly dangerous.

But that doesn't help the passengers on the train. There is pressure for the UN crossing to have a bridge because to a certain extent the rail company have a duty of care. Not quite the case at Thatcham. What we 'need' is for there to be some fatal accidents before we get a bridge there.

[On the edge]

I'm not sure the suggestion of using 'real' traffic lights should be so quickly dismissed. To my way of thinking, that would be real ergonomic design, a positive green when it's safe and the usual red when it's stop. Yes, we all think other people are stupid, look at the huge number who didn't think the road signs preventing access to Parkway bridge didn't apply to them.

There is clearly something badly wrong with the level crossing concept as there are so many serious incidents. Good safety practice means exploring all avenues and not simply dismissing any suggestions as stupid; particularly from those directly affected.

I wholly agree the Ufton crossing should be either closed or replaced by a bridge. Nonetheless, it does sign up that Thatcham represents an even bigger problem waiting to happen. Building the bridge also gives lie to the naysayers saying it can't be done at Thatcham. Of course it can.

[Andy Capp]

I'm not sure 'can' is correct. It is always about funding and disruption and now they are developing the south side, it is even less likely.

[On the edge]

I'm not sure 'can' is correct. It is always about funding and disruption and now they are developing the south side, it is even less likely.

Everything has a cost, but political will always come first. So, let's have no more complaints about the crossing at Thatcham, our Councillors who are by virtue if their office well tuned into public opinion say we woukd rather spend our money on other things.

[spartacus]

Have a look at this and perhaps you will see why!

...bor-ring.. nobody was even hit...

and like Thatcham, the train probably arrived ten minutes later so those rushing across knew the score

(I'm being facetious - I hope the bus drivers in particular were carpetted by their employers - especially the driver of the double decker at 3min 30s into the youtube clip)


As for UN and the potential for it to be a bridge crossing instead, the truth of the matter is that once a site becomes high up the list for those with suicidal tendencies then you are knackered whether you take out the level crossing or not. Beachy Head has tried all sorts to prevent it's white cliffs turning red.... To this date there's still around 20 deaths a year there. This site by the Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team gives a weekly report on how many despondent/suicidal people they still deal with. 1 suicide during January but loads more who were contemplating it.....
Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team

Ufton Nervet with a bridge will just mean those wanting to end it all will have to climb over the bridge parapets before jumping in front of the 125... It'll will still mean the train will have to stop and those passengers on board will question the wisdom of spending £10m

[Turin Machine]

Once a lemming.

[MontyPython]

..........
Ufton Nervet with a bridge will just mean those wanting to end it all will have to climb over the bridge parapets before jumping in front of the 125... It'll will still mean the train will have to stop and those passengers on board will question the wisdom of spending £10m

True but they won't be using a vehicle and risk taking others with them!

[spartacus]

Still...... ten million quid eh..... To get it into perspective it's only one game of Premiership footie on Sky I suppose.... (don't get me started on that one...)

[Andy Capp]

Still...... ten million quid eh..... To get it into perspective it's only one game of Premiership footie on Sky I suppose.... (don't get me started on that one...)

If it means no more derailed trains then it might be worth it.

[Andy Capp]

Oops!

[Biker1]

Good safety practice means exploring all avenues and not simply dismissing any suggestions as stupid; particularly from those directly affected.

These incidents are not caused by people not being able to see or understanding the lights or any other aspect of a level crossing.
They are caused by sheer impatience and a "I can get away with it this time" and a "It won't happen to me" attitude.
The standard traffic light suggestion would not improve the situation because of this.
How many people have you seen jumping traffic lights!

[On the edge]

These incidents are not caused by people not being able to see or understanding the lights or any other aspect of a level crossing.
They are caused by sheer impatience and a "I can get away with it this time" and a "It won't happen to me" attitude.

Then that's the real safety issue. We shouldn't just ignore it or wash our hands and blame 'them'. What strategems are in place to come up with effective solutions? The post in question suggested using 'real' traffic lights. That might have some merit, particularly as drivers do tend to obey them most of the time, even if they are impatient. Similarly,even from annegonomic view, it would be worth trialling. Equally, how many crossings are equipped with cameras, like major traffic junctions so that we see some continued enforcement action being reported. Sorry to say this, but it does seem to be rail culture to claim every issue is someone else's fault but they should have no say in how it's corrected.

[Biker1]

Then that's the real safety issue. We shouldn't just ignore it or wash our hands and blame 'them'. What strategems are in place to come up with effective solutions? The post in question suggested using 'real' traffic lights. That might have some merit, particularly as drivers do tend to obey them most of the time, even if they are impatient. Similarly,even from annegonomic view, it would be worth trialling. Equally, how many crossings are equipped with cameras, like major traffic junctions so that we see some continued enforcement action being reported. Sorry to say this, but it does seem to be rail culture to claim every issue is someone else's fault but they should have no say in how it's corrected.

I must have edited my post just as you were replying!
Sorry!!
Personally I think flashing lights are more obvious that static ones.
All full barrier crossings that are cctv controlled are equipped with cameras.