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Rail tragedy: Bridge safety move at Foxcovert Road crossing
Police officers at the level crossing after the fatal accident in 2009 on the Peterborough to Doncaster mainline near Foxcovert Road between Werrington and Glinton. Photo: Peterborough ET
ACTION could soon be taken to step up safety on a Peterborough level crossing where a toddler was killed in 2009.
Bosses at Network Rail are looking to build a bridge across the mainline near Foxcovert Road between Werrington and Glinton.
The level crossing was the scene of a tragedy when two-year-old Johnny Hall died after running out in front of a train in 2009.
Details of the bridge plans are contained in a letter from Network Rail to Peterborough City Council.
The news has been welcomed by councillors John Fox and John Holdich, who have been campaigning for years for action to improve safety at the crossing, which is regularly used by children going to and from school.
An inquest into Johnny’s death revealed that the youngster had thought he was playing a game with his mum when he ran onto the tracks in front of a passenger train travelling to Lincoln.
Later, a report by the Office of Rail Regulation stated there were not any safety issues surrounding the barrier.
But now Network Rail is investigating upgrading level crossings on the route between Peterborough and Doncaster.
A letter to the council, seen by The Evening Telegraph, states the organisation views the removal of the level crossing and installing a bridge as a “priority”.
Cllr Holdich, who represents Glinton and Wittering, said: “I have been pushing for this for about 15 years, and even harder since Johnny died.
“I am absolutely delighted they are looking to do something. We have had health and safety and railway experts out saying it is safe, but anyone local knows it is not safe.
“Thankfully, now they have said putting a bridge there is a priority, and I am delighted.”
Cllr Fox, who represents Werrington, said: “I will be over the moon if it definitely happens.
“It is a primary route for youngsters from Werrington to get to Arthur Mellows Village College and a lot of kids go across there.
“The most important thing is they get the design right and the sooner they do that, the better.
“The only thing that will be good enough is a bridge, and one that can be used by cyclists and mobility scooters.”
Network Rail is currently consulting with various groups, including the council, about all the level crossings on the line to Doncaster via Lincoln as it moves to upgrade the line and put on more trains.
The news was welcomed by Mike Sandeman, head of the Village College in Glinton, but he also warned that the design must be right.
He said: “This has been on the agenda since before I started at the college. Anything that improves safety for all people, particularly young people, is a good thing.
“The only thing I would say is that young people will always take the easiest option, not necessarily the safest. If a bridge is put in place it needs to be one that children choose to use.
“A lot of people campaigned very hard to get this, I’m delighted with the work they have put in.”
A spokeswoman for the council confirmed the site was under review.
She said: “Network Rail has made us aware of its intention to pursue the option of providing a bridge and removing the level crossing as a priority. As part of this we have been asked for our comments on the proposal, prior to formal consultation taking place.
“We are pleased that Network Rail is considering providing a bridge at this location.”
A Network Rail spokeswoman said: “We are currently in discussions with Peterborough City Council regarding our plans to upgrade the line from Peterborough to Doncaster via Lincoln.
“As part of these plans we are assessing what changes may need to be made to level crossings on this route given the proposed increase in the number of trains.
“No decisions have been made on the alternative measures and we will continue to work with the relevant local authorities.”
Related: Two-year-old Johnny Hall dies at Peterborough level crossing: ‘Tragic accident took the life of beloved little boy’, 9 September 2009.
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