BarntGreen/Cofton footpath

Network Rail has provided an update on the closure of the footpath between Barnt Green and Cofton that crosses the railway line north of Barnt Green station (footpath no. 500), as attached: Cofton footpath crossing to remain closed for 2016  and below…

“Network Rail has confirmed that the footpath level crossing at Cofton will remain closed during 2016 while a safer solution for crossing the railway on this route is found and put in place.

The crossing passes over three live railway lines with a maximum speed of 90mph and 300 trains per day.  A study of the crossing in summer 2015 which formed part of the Bromsgrove to Barnt Green electrification project revealed that there was insufficient warning time of approaching trains and the crossing was closed on 9 July 2015.

Ben Parish, level crossing manager for Network Rail, said: “We have had to extend the closure of the footpath crossing at Cofton as it is not safe to cross the three railway lines with trains travelling at such fast speeds as there is simply not enough warning time of oncoming trains.

“We will continue to explore options to allow footpath users to cross the railway safely at this site and two possible options have been identified. We will be consulting with local stakeholders on these over the next few months.”

The crossing connecting Cofton Church Lane and Bittell Farm Road near Barnt Green, has been legally stopped-up by way of an Order confirmed by Worcester County Council and approved by the Department for Transport. The Order will remain in place until 31 December 2016 while Network Rail finds a solution which will allow users of the public footpath to cross the railway safely.”