York rail level crossing set to close under plan to speed up trains

Network Rail says it wants to close a popular foot crossing on the outskirts of York.

They are proposing to increase the speed of trains on the East Coast Main Line next to Copmanthorpe and that’s why they want to replace the foot crossing which leads to Bishopthorpe, across the farm field, with what they say will be a safer alternative route.

This will involve diverting a public right of way either north of the village or to the south where a road bridge exists already.

They say they would like to get the views of users of the level crossing and lineside neighbours on the closure and on the two proposed alternative options.

The level crossing allows only pedestrians to cross the four tracks and it is protected by a red and green traffic light system.

Frequent passenger and goods trains including the London to Scotland expresses use the line.

There is a telephone to the signal centre as well as gates and safety signage. Similar crossings can be found on the line to the north of York where speeds are even faster.

Tunnel ruled out

One option is to replace the crossing with a foot bridge a little further north near the A64.

This would not have ramped access though as it is felt the structure would be too large and impact on the countryside.

A tunnel has been ruled out too as it would need a dedicated pumping station to stop flooding.

The second is to build a footbridge alongside Temple lane road bridge but that would mean a long diversion of the footpath route.

Find out more about the plans here.