'An accident waiting to happen' at Smithy Bridge level crossing

Smithy Bridge level crossing

The Smithy Bridge level crossing is causing concern again after reports that trains had passed through the crossing when the barriers were raised twice in twenty four hours, with a further incident being reported a few days later.

It was first reported that a train went through the crossing when the barriers were up on Saturday (7 June) evening at around 9.00pm.

Concerned residents described the incident as “terrifying” and “extremely dangerous” with another stating that “this is happening too often, I fear it’s an accident waiting to happen.”

A second incident was then reported on Sunday (8 June) stating that the 20:20 train from Manchester passed through the crossing when the barriers were raised. It is understood that as a car was crossing the crossing, a train was approaching towards Littleborough.

The police were called regarding this incident. They contacted the British Transport Police who then contacted Network Rail.

Network Rail issued the following statement to Rochdale Online regarding the operation of the crossing.

A spokesman for Network Rail said: “When a train approaches Smithy Bridge Station which doesn’t have to travel over the level crossing to enter the platform, the safety sequence will not be activated until it is ready to continue its journey and leave the station. If a train is approaching from the opposite direction, and has to travel through the level crossing to reach the station, the safety sequence will be activated and the barriers will come down.

“The level crossing is controlled by the latest technology, monitored by CCTV and is regularly inspected and any concerns raised with us are fully investigated as part of our commitment to operate a safe railway. We have worked closely with the community to raise awareness of the crossing and how it operates and will continue to do this while there is any uncertainty among residents about its safety.”

A third incident was then reported on Tuesday (10 June) evening after a motorist stated that a train passed through the crossing at around 8.45pm whilst the barriers were still up. The motorist said as they came around the corner of Smithy Bridge Road they saw the express train passing through.

Concerns were raised by residents in March after the system used to operate the barriers became an automated system. Residents in the area began to notice that the barriers were failing to operate correctly and became concerned that the crossing had become “unsafe.”

Network Rail were contacted to comment on the third incident but had not responded at the time of publication.