Power granted to close crossings in Essex, Thurrock, Hertfordshire and other authorities

Listen to this article

The Secretary of State for Transport has granted Network Rail the power to close or modify 37 crossings as part of wider plans across Anglia to reduce risk and create a safer, more reliable railway.  

In 2017, Network Rail submitted a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) application to close or modify 57 crossings in Essex, Hertfordshire, the unitary authorities of Thurrock and Southend-on-Sea, and the London Borough of Havering. The Secretary of State has granted Network Rail the powers to close or modify the following: 

Level crossing name Postcode 
Old Lane CM19 5DS 
Camps CM19 5DY 
Parndon Mill CM20 2HR 
Elsenham Emergency Hut CM22 6JL 
Ugley Lane CM22 6LD 
Henham CB11 3XP 
Elephant CB11 3PE 
Windmills CB11 3TT 
Parsonage Lane/Margaretting CM4 9JJ 
Maldon Road CM4 9JS 
Noakes CM3 3HH 
Snivillers CO5 9EN 
Hill House 1 CO5 9EN 
Great Domsey CO5 9EP 
Long Green CO6 1XP 
Church 2 CO3 8NE 
Barbara Close SS4 1NQ 
Whipps Farmers  RM14 3PJ 
Ferry SS7 1NR 
Brickyard Farm SS8 0QT 
Cranes No 1 CM77 8NU 
Cranes No 2 CM8 1RN 
Great Bentley station CO7 8LU 
Lords No1 CO7 8NX 
Bluehouse CO13 0EP 
Wheatsheaf CO11 2TQ 
Abbotts CO7 7RS 
Trinity Lane EN8 7EP 
Cadmore Lane EN8 9SA 
Tednambury CM23 4BD 
Gilston CM23 4AS 
Johnsons  CM23 2AH 
Butts Lane RM11 3NA 
Woodhall Crescent  RM11 3ST 
Manor Farm RM14 2TZ 
No131 RM19 1SX 
Howells Farm SS17 9EY 

Where a public crossing is closed, users will be diverted to a suitable and safe alternative route if it already exists. Where a suitable and safe alternative does not currently exist, a new public route will be provided prior to closure. We will work with landowners and councils to agree designs for any new alternative route.  

Crossings at Old Lane, Parsonage Lane/Margaretting, Church 2, Barbara Close, Cranes No.2, Cadmore Lane, Johnsons, Butts Lane, Woodhall Crescent can be closed immediately after receiving the powers (if not already), as a safe, alternative route across the railway already exists nearby. Information will be posted at these crossing sites with details of existing diversionary routes for those that wish to cross the railway.  

Closing or modifying crossings and diverting rights of way will make the railway safer by reducing the opportunity for people to come into contact with trains. The changes also support a more efficient and reliable railway for passengers and freight users, reducing ongoing operating and maintenance costs, delays to trains, pedestrians, and other highway users.  

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “Improving safety on the railway continues to be my top priority and the powers we have been granted to close or modify 37 level crossings is a major step forward to achieving this.  

“We will begin to remove some of these crossing immediately while others will need more time to provide a suitable diversion route before we close the crossing.  

“I want to thank everyone who has been involved and taken the time to provide feedback and views on our proposals through the public consultation and public inquiry stages.”  

For more information. Please visit: www.networkrail.co.uk/anglialevelcrossings 

You can also follow us on Twitter @networkrailANG  

Photo credit: Network Rail

Latest Rail News

ORR review leads to 50% reduction in maximum fees for ticket refunds

New rules will mean that from 2 April the maximum fee that train operators and ticket retailers can charge...

More like this...