A level crossing near the Metrocentre in Gateshead has been closed for safety reasons after concerns about people putting themselves at risk.
Network Rail worked with Gateshead Council in responding to the serious concerns about the Skiff Inn pedestrian crossing at Swalwell.
A temporary traffic regulation notice has ben put in place, with a longer-term closure planned. To protect the public, the crossing has been fenced off on both approaches, and the gates have been securely chained and padlocked.
The proactive measures follow a series of serious safety concerns involving members of the public. These have included:
- Multiple near misses involving cyclists and both adult and child pedestrians
- Unsafe behaviour such as running across in front of trains, headphone use and cyclists not dismounting
- Incidents of trespass which have affected the running of trains.
During a recent incident in July, a train driver needed to apply the emergency brake in a near miss involving a young girl walking a dog.
Chris Moore, Network Rail level crossing manager, said: “The decision to act on Skiff Inn level crossing was not taken lightly but, in the interests of safety, we had no choice, given the frequency and potential severity of recent incidents.
“The temporary traffic regulation order will protect members of the public until a more permanent solution can be found.”
An alternative pedestrian route is available 200 metres east of the crossing via a well-used underpass next to the River Derwent.
While the level crossing does have a vehicle component, this was already restricted to a very small number of authorised users and the alternative route via Tundry Way and Derwenthaugh Road to the west is used more regularly.
Network Rail and Gateshead Council will continue to work with the community in finding a safe long-term solution, ensuring access is maintained to nearby buildings and the river.
Image credit: Network Rail
