Smithy Bridge’s 'Great Barrier Grief'

Wardle and West Littleborough ward councillor John Taylor has written to Network Rail regarding the level crossing at Smithy Bridge Railway Station failing to work correctly.

The railway line at Smithy Bridge – where trains travel in excess of 60 mph throughout the day – has had its fair share of level crossing incidents in the past.

In his letter to Network Rail, which manages rail infrastructure, Councillor Taylor said: “Like many others, I was unnecessarily delayed at Smithy Bridge crossing on four occasions as the barriers failed to function properly. This happens far too often and it seems to have been a recurring issue ever since the signal box was removed.”

Much to local residents’ chagrin, the barriers fail to function on a frequent basis, causing traffic and disruption.

 

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Smithy Bridge level crossing fails... again!Published: 18 September 2015
Safety fears as Smithy Bridge level crossing fails againPublished: 15 July 2014
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The failure of the barriers is “a recurring issue” notes Councillor Taylor, who says this has been an issue since the removal of the manned signal box some years ago.

Demolished in 2014, the box controlled level crossings and acted as a fringe box to Preston PSB from 1973. In 2011 the box was downgraded from a blockpost to a crossing box.
 

Read more:

Smithy Bridge level crossing signal box demolition beginsPublished: 06 October 2014

 

“At best this is an inconvenience for all the residents across our two Littleborough wards but more worrying there are real and significant dangers here too. When the barriers fail in the down position we end up with a mini gridlock and when they fail in the up position we are subjected to a catastrophic risk to life. I for one have little confidence in the barriers and believe our residents deserve better from you.

“This situation raises a number of questions: why do the barriers malfunction so often; when will a lasting and safe solution to found; how can you reassure residents their safe passage over the crossing can be guaranteed?

“I will look forward to your response to those questions and I think it is high time you sorted this problem out once and for all.”

Responding, a Network Rail spokesperson said: “We’re sorry to road users and residents disrupted by recent issues with Smithy Bridge level crossing.

“Our engineers have identified the problem and work is underway to make the barriers more reliable. Safety of road users, pedestrians and rail passengers is our number one priority.”

Works on the level crossing are taking place this weekend and Smithy Bridge Road will be closed overnight on Saturday 31 July, from 11.30pm until 5.30am, Sunday 1 August 2021.