Safety fears as Smithy Bridge level crossing fails again

Smithy Bridge Level Crossing

Smithy Bridge level crossing failed to operate correctly again on Sunday (13 July) afternoon.

It is understood that at around 12.10pm the barrier came down and operated as normal with the red lights flashing and a Manchester bound train passing through.

The barrier then came up with a couple of cars passing over the level crossing. An orange light then started to flash followed by a red flashing light. The lights then stopped flashing but the barrier remained up.

Arthur Brookes, who witnessed the failure, said: “As we started across the crossing there was a train (Leeds bound) ready for setting off from the station. Do we have to have people killed before this is put right?”

A spokesman for Network Rail said: “There was a fault with the Smithy Bridge level crossing which affected the operation of the barriers on Sunday but - owing to the safety systems which come into operation when there is an issue of any kind – there was no risk of a train using the crossing when it was not safe to do so. An engineer was sent to site, the issue repaired and the crossing was monitored to make sure it was working correctly.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

This latest failure adds to a long list of failures already reported by local residents.

The manned system that was previously used to operate the barriers was replaced in January. Residents would now like to see the manned system reinstated due to safety concerns raised regarding the new system.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/87687/an-accident-waiting-to-happen-at-smithy-bridge-level-crossing