Prospect of £4.5m replacement bridge for 'notorious' level crossing in Biggleswade

Network Rail plans to build a bridleway over the East Coast Mainline and close the nearby Lindsells crossing at Biggleswade.

The level crossing would be shut on public safety grounds, Central Bedfordshire Council’s development management committee heard.

On average, 68 people used the crossing per day in 2014, including 15 cyclists, according to planning officer Adam Maciejewski.

But this number has increased during the last six years, as it’s part of the Biggleswade green wheel, he told the committee.

“Network Rail and CBC are working to deliver this Homes England funded scheme,” he said.

“The company has reported 12 incidents of either vandalism or crossing misuse, during the last 21 years, although no accidents.

“There have been a small number of suicides at the crossing apparently.

“The bridleway bridge is about 400m north of the current level crossing and will be about 8.5m tall.”

There are about 310 trains daily on the East Coast Mainline, travelling up to 125mph from London to Peterborough and the north-east of England.

Network Rail calculates the time taken from seeing a train to its arrival at the crossing is about 21 seconds, added Mr Maciejewski.

The time for an able-bodied person to cross the four tracks is 22.8 seconds.

“The local Ramblers’ Association wrote to oppose the location because of the longer diversion, an increased exposure to train noise and the size of the bridge.

“The British Horse Association county representative objected saying it supports a safe crossing.

“But the revised site is a safety hazard while walking close to the railway track to reach the bridge.”

The committee considered the project because it affects land owned by Conservative Biggleswade North councillor Ian Bond, who took no part in the debate.

Independent Biggleswade South councillor Hayley Whitaker described it as “a dangerous crossing” which needs to change.

“The resident’s concern is the three quarters of a mile extra distance, which isn’t too bad if you’re on a horse or cycling,” she said.

“If you’re walking for work purposes it’s a considerable extension of that route.”

She asked if there are any other viable sites.

The planning officer replied that the owner of nearby Shortmead House supports the scheme because the setting of the bridge is far enough away from the listed building.

Conservative Cranfield and Marston Moretaine councillor Ken Matthews, who chairs the committee, said: “There are a number of restraints in looking at alternatives.”

Network Rail could apply for a Transport and Works Act Order to achieve its plans.

Conservative Dunstable Watling councillor Nigel Young said: “It surely can’t be in anyone’s interests to be objecting to this.

“To my knowledge, local residents have been pressing to close for a very long time. Here’s the opportunity.

“We’re hearing representations from ramblers and horse riders, which will turn out to be negative for them unless we introduce this comprehensive scheme.”

Councillors agreed the bridleway bridge plan and to upgrade two nearby footpaths, with nine votes in favour, one against and two abstentions.

Any appeal would result in the issue being considered by the planning inspectorate.