Aylesbury Vale road has reopened following the completion of a safety improvement project, as confirmed by Network Rail on October 1. The Marsh Lane level crossing in Ellesborough is now operational again after engineers made modifications to the barriers.
The road that crosses the railway between Aylesbury and Little Kimble stations reopened shortly before midnight on September 30.
New double barriers have been installed on both sides of the road. According to Network Rail, these new barriers are designed to prevent motorists from weaving around them. Additionally, obstacle detection technology has been implemented to identify any obstructions at the crossing, such as vehicles or pedestrians.
Network Rail has also introduced new signaling equipment that helps monitor the position of trains concerning the level crossing, resulting in a reduced alarm time for each train’s passage.
Emma Lockey, sponsor for Network Rail, stated: “We’d like to thank local people for their patience during our upgrade of Marsh Lane level crossing which is now safer for both rail and road users.
“As well as installing modern signalling equipment and special obstacle detection technology, the new double barriers will prevent the possibility of weaving around them when a train is approaching.
“We want to stress the importance of staying safe when using any level crossing and ask that motorists always stop at the barriers when the lights show and wait until the barriers raise fully to continue their journey.”
Network Rail has provided the following safety advice for pedestrians:
– Concentrate – it’s easy to get distracted, especially by phones, music, and conversation.
– Always follow signs and instructions displayed at level crossings.
– Check both ways before crossing – if there is a train coming, don’t cross.
– Understand the warnings which alert when a train is approaching (lights, barriers, alarms).
– Cross quickly, keeping children close and dogs on a lead.
Last year, a significant upgrade and realignment of the line were completed to enable HS2 trains to pass beneath the existing railway.
