The Marsh Lane level crossing in Ellesborough was reopened this week following a significant safety enhancement project to benefit Buckinghamshire‘s road and rail users.

The road crossing the railway between Aylesbury and Little Kimble stations was reopened before midnight on Monday, September 30, restoring a frequently utilized route for the local community.

New double barriers have been erected on both sides of the road, preventing motorists from bypassing them and enhancing the safety of the crossing.

Additional safety measures include obstacle detection technology, which automatically identifies any obstruction on the crossing, such as a pedestrian or vehicle.

New signalling equipment has been installed, aiding signallers in pinpointing train locations about the level crossing.

Consequently, the level crossing alarm duration for each train passage has been shortened. This improvement will decrease waiting times for residents commuting on Marsh Lane.

Network Rail is seizing the chance to remind individuals about the importance of safety when crossing the railway, be it at Marsh Lane or on adjacent footpath crossings close by.

“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.”

Emma Lockey, sponsor for Network Rail

Following a significant upgrade and realignment of the line last year, the safety enhancements have been finalized, paving the way for HS2 trains to eventually pass underneath the current railway.