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
