Cycle Route Between Middlesbrough & Guisborough

Richie

/ #86 Network rail chief executive

2014-08-11 11:18

Text of letter from Network Rail dated 28th July 2014 regarding the closed crossing at Morton 

Grange Farm in Nunthorpe.

Thank you for contacting me to raise the concerns of your constituent regarding the close crossing at 

Morton Grange Farm. I have investigate this matter with our Level Crossing Manager for the area.

Safety is Network rail’s top priority. There are currently more than 6,500 level crossings in Great 

Britain and we have invested in a wide-ranging programme, working with national and local

organisations, such as schools and user groups, to help the public use them correctly. Since 2009 we 

have closed 850 crossings as part of a £100m investment programme to improve safety and mitigate 

risk. In addition, over our new Control Period we are committed to reducing risk at level crossings by 

a further 25% over the 5 year term.

The level crossing at Morton Grange Farm was closed in October 2013. We had experienced 

multiple instances at this crossing of not only trespass but also misuse. This posed an unacceptable 

risk to not only the crossing users but also train services. Due to the trespass and related safety

concerns, the private landowner has agreed to the crossing being padlocked and protected by 

secure fencing.

Network Rail is keen to resolve this issue for the benefit of the public and we have been proactively 

working with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to find a solution. Network Rail has proposed 

to make land available along the southern boundary of the railway to create a new cycleway which 

will connect to the former Guisborough Branch bridleway. This will be a safe route as it will cross 

under the railway by means of an underpass.

We are currently progressing the release of railway operational land to create the cycle path. The 

path will be suitably surfaced and fenced on both sides. It must be noted that this proposal will also 

need to be approved and consented to by our Regulator and the Train Operating Companies. The 

Council will similarly need to address land ownership issues and consents with the affected 

landowner. Consequently, it will take time to instigate.

If your constituents have any further concerns relating to this issue or to level crossing safety, they 

can contact us directly through our 24 hour helpline on 08457 11 41 41 or alternatively visa our 

website www.networkrail.co.uk.

Yours sincerely,

Mark Carne

Chief Executive