A new footbridge to replace the level crossing at Branston near Derby is being installed by Network Rail. Martin Frobisher, route managing director for Network Rail, explained: “The crossing at Warren Lane has a reputation for misuse with 11 near misses recorded there since 2007. This crossing is on the mainline and carried around 260 trains per day. Clearly we need to take action to take away the risk at this location.

“Network Rail has a national programme to close crossings and so improve safety. There are unique issues relating to the right of way at Branston and we are grateful for the advice the Office of the Rail Regulator (ORR) to help us develop this solution.”

A temporary footbridge will be installed next week, providing safe pedestrian access over the railway whilst planning permission is sought for a permanent footbridge.

Work on the temporary footbridge starts on 16 July. Work is scheduled to complete on 8 August when the level crossing will close.

In recent years, the crossing at Warren Lane has seen one fatality and 11 near miss incidents. Whilst there has been a 24% increase in reported near misses with pedestrians, there has been a reduction in the number of pedestrian fatalities and there have been no child fatalities at level crossings. In addition there has been a 64 per cent reduction in the number of collisions with vehicles and an 18 per cent reduction in near misses with vehicles.