A joint project by HBPW and Network Rail (NR) has seen the completion of a new equestrian footbridge in Nottinghamshire signalling a new era of safety.
The original level rail crossing at King’s Mill Lane, Sutton-in-Ashfield – a manually operated facility used by pedestrians and horse riders – was identified as a high-risk site because of its history of misuse, near misses and accidents.
So, Network Rail resolved to divert the bridleway as part of its Level Crossing Risk Reduction Programme (LCRRP), with the sole purpose of providing residents and other users with a safer passage over the railway.
Engineering Technician Jonathan Bent takes up the story: “The diverted route now crosses the railway by means of a ramped bridleway adjacent to the existing crossing; it has been designed and specified by HBPW but the multi million pounds project wasn’t without its challenges.
“During site investigations a culvert was discovered which crossed directly under two of the originally designed ramp foundations, prompting the need for a re-think,” said Jonathan.
“The condition and extents of the culvert were unknown and it became apparent that we would not be able to accommodate additional loadings, resulting in the introduction of a bespoke longer ramp span that would bridge the culvert and allow foundations to be relocated away from it.
“Level crossings, like the old one at King’s Mill Lane, were originally part of a network developed in the 19th century, when there were slower trains and the pace of life was also much slower. Now, however, if you were to build a railway from scratch it would not have any level crossings other than in exceptional circumstances,” added Jonathan.
Since the start of Network Rail’s Level Crossing Risk Reduction Programme more than 1,000 have been improved.
The new footbridge means that pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders will no longer have to cross the railway using the level crossing, but can now use the bridge instead. This provides a safer route and, because the bridge is ramped, it will also cater for pushchairs as well as persons of restricted mobility.
Andrew Murray, Director of Route Asset Management for Network Rail, said: “Safety is our top priority, so we are glad that this vital project to improve railway safety in Nottinghamshire is now complete.”