One of the first pedestrian railway crossings of its kind costing £250,000 has been hailed by Network Rail.
The new crossing, which includes green and red lights to tell people it’s safe to cross and an alarm system, has been installed between Spalding and Pinchbeck on the same footpath as the recently reopened Two Planks Bridge.
Previously, train drivers were instructed ‘to give a warning’ ahead of going through the crossing, ie sound their hooter.
Network Rail say the noise from the new road might mean that wouldn’t be heard, though the Lincolnshire County Council road project remains unopened to the public because it’s other four sections remain unfunded.
Vinny Briggs, Network Rail route level crossing manager, said: “We had to come up with an alternative solution to what was there before, and decided to use a Vamos overlay system, which uses sound and red and green lights to give the warnings to pedestrians when a train is approaching.
“We also reconfigured the crossing, with new approaches, fencing and gates, and a telephone in case of emergency.
“By investing in new technology, we have mitigated the identified risks and improved the safety for the public if the crossing is used as instructed.”
