19.02.14
Hayle station to see £800,000 safety improvements
Plans to improve safety and access at Hayle station have been unveiled. Developed in partnership with Network Rail, First Great Western (FGW), Cornwall Council and Sustrans, the £800,000 scheme will provide a safer alternative north-south link for passengers and the community travelling through the station.
Hayle level crossing has seen five near misses in the past four years, and one fatality in 2009.
The plans would replace the existing footpath crossing, which will eventually be closed once the new scheme is complete. The disused Harbour Branch railway line will be turned into a footpath and cycleway, with new access to the south west of the station car park and linking the rear of platform 2 to the underpass via a ramp.
New bike hoops, improved signage and lighting will also be installed. Work is set to start by February and is projected to complete by May 2014.
Cllr Bert Biscoe, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for Transport and Waste, said: “It is good to yet again see the partnership between Cornwall Council and Network Rail in action. Let us hope that this small step for safety will lead to a giant leap in usage of the railway station and will improve connectivity within Hayle for its residents and visitors.”
Cllr John Pollard, Cornwall Council leader and local Member for Hayle North, said: “This is an excellent scheme creating a safer and much needed access to the station from the North. The additional works to the old railway cutting will also enhance the area and establish a pedestrian route to Platform 2. I would like to thank Network Rail and particularly Philip Boorman of Cornwall Council who has negotiated, developed and championed this scheme and brought it to fruition.”
Patrick Hallgate, route managing director for Network Rail Western said: “Successfully closing a crossing isn't always a straightforward process. I thank Cornwall Council, Sustrans, First Great Western for the help they have given us at Hayle to meet our safety target and ask for their support as we look to continue the closure programme and improve safety further still across the West Country.”
First Great Western's Hayle station manager Sara Rogers said: “First Great Western prides itself on putting our customers first and supporting the communities we serve. We recognise the key role that rail travel has in supporting the local and national economy and we are delighted to be able to unveil this scheme today. During the previous franchise over £85m was invested across our network of 210 stations, by working with rail industry partners, the DfT, and local authorities.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]
Image c. Ben Brooksbank