Smithy Bridge level crossing fails... again!

Photo: Dan Dearden

Smithy Bridge level crossing fails... again!

The level crossing at Smithy Bridge train station failed again on Thursday (17 September) leaving residents seriously concerned.

A train was witnessed passing through the crossing with the barriers positioned up.

Commenting on the incident, resident Saul Nyland said: “I believe it’s only a matter of time before there is a more serious incident and there is an accident or even worse, a fatality.”

Ben Higginson said: “One day someone will be killed.”

Julie Townsend said: “Too many people use that crossing and it is to late when someone has been killed.”

Dave Hill said: “This is really bad, especially in view of the assurances that Network Rail gave at a meeting that this could never happen.”

Rochdale Online has reported on the crossing failing six times since March 2014.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “The barriers at the Smithy Bridge level crossing malfunctioned last night. Our staff were alerted and immediately took action to maintain the safety of the railway and the public.

“The problem has been rectified and the level crossing is now working correctly. Safety remains our highest priority and we are treating this matter very seriously.”