Pedestrians can now use safer route over high speed rail track
Posted on Thursday 5th September 2019
A public footpath which took walkers over high speed rail tracks via a pedestrian level crossing, has now been diverted thanks to a project by Newport City Council and Network Rail.
The footpath in Marshfield has been extended and now makes use of a nearby bridge to create a much safer alternative route for users.
Network Rail, supported by the Office of Rail Regulation, had run a national campaign to highlight the dangers of level crossings throughout the rail network.
The aim was to remove the risk of pedestrians being hit by high speed trains.
Working alongside Network Rail and local landowners the alternative route was created and following extensive work the footpath is open to the public.
The footpath now heads from Whitethorn Way heading south along a pleasant enclosed countryside track before crossing the railway line over the newly improved bridge.
The path then continues towards the coast joining Wentloog Road, which provides users more opportunities to join the Wales Coastal Path.
Newport City Council’s cabinet member for City Services Councillor Roger Jeavons said the safety of pedestrians was paramount and the newly diverted route will help members of the public utilise this footpath and the wider network of Public Rights of Way in the area.
“Thanks to the hard work of Network Rail and co-operation of local landowners, we have been able to provide this new route which takes users safely over the track via the bridge.
“This project means the public do not have to risk the dangers associated with crossing a high speed rail line.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in bringing this project to such a successful conclusion,” said Cllr Jeavons.
Peter Caulfield, Project Manager for Network Rail said: “We are delighted that we have improved safety for pedestrians by diverting this public right of way in Marshfield.
“We would like to thank Newport City Council and local landowners for their collaboration during this project.
“The number of pedestrian level crossing incidents is at an all-time high and it is our duty to reduce these numbers and preserve the safety of workers, the public, passengers and lineside neighbours.”