Closure of Poole level crossing proposed

[whole diary]

[Ollie]

However, it introduces a new kind of indiscipline: drivers ignoring the banned turns and even the no entry signs. This surprises other road users, of all kinds, so leads to near accidents (and potentially to accidents too) and abrupt evasive actions.

Yeah I've seen this happening too. My observation of sequence for lights is that all go to red before barriers start to come down, barriers then start coming down, and then some traffic is allowed to continue (obv the ones that don't go over the crossing)

When plans first come out for the crossing I wasn't sure, but I've used it nearly everyday and it's kind of grown on me and I think it's worked pretty well.

[Timmer]

Video clip showing the reason why Network Rail wants to close Poole level crossing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoaV45nOIZc

Sheer stupidity shown by pedestrians using the crossing after the lights and alarm have come on.

[ChrisB]

Just walked ouver this - & then observed.

Yup, they're still at it.

[Timmer]

Just walked ouver this - & then observed.

Yup, they're still at it.

What makes it even more crazy is there's the bridge able bodied people can use if they can't wait a few minutes for the train to pass.

[Western Pathfinder]

Darwin award for these people I think .

[Surrey 455]

Last year, Network Rail were saying that to close the crossing there would need to be an access for all footbridge and compulsory purchases with a huge town redevelopment.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-31682338

[SandTEngineer]

Perhaps they need to install one of these : http://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/new-railway-crossing-gates-signal-the-end-of-traffic-issues-in-redcar

Health Warning: There is a link to a video download showing the gates in operation but you really need to watch it to understand how they work .  The file is 78mb in size and takes a fair time to download.

[SandTEngineer]

...and here is the reason a bridge or subway would be difficult to build without deconstruction of the shopping centre....


Image (c)2015 SandTEngineer

[ChrisB]

But isn't there a bridge in place already? I think I saw one when I was there at the weekend....

[SandTEngineer]

But isn't there a bridge in place already? I think I saw one when I was there at the weekend....

Yes, its just to the right of the level crossing (you can just see the lower part of the steps).  However, the existing bridge is not compliant to modern standards.

Edit: Photograph of the footbridge added lower down in the thread.

[ChrisB]

Indeed, but they ought to be able to install lifts there shouldn't they? Otherwise it would have to be a subway at quite high cost.

[JayMac]

A complete replacement of the crossing requires access for all.

There's also the issue of vehicular access for the shops and businesses north of the crossing.

[ChrisB]

A complete replacement of the crossing requires access for all.

Lifts surely would do that?

I appreciate your other comment though - maybe access from the north side could be gained somehow for deliveries?

[SandTEngineer]

Here is a photograph of the footbridge:


Image (c)2015 SandTEngineer

[Chris from Nailsea]

No worries: I've driven my Mercedes Sprinter delivery van over much trickier features than that.