A footbridge and locked wicket gates are the two recommendations made for Elsenham crossing by Network Rail today, following an extensive review of the crossing.

Network Rail’s detailed assessment analysed all of the options available for the crossing, taking into account the use of the crossing in its current set-up and the predicted growth in rail traffic through Elsenham station in future years. The focus of the thorough and very detailed assessment was to establish safe and practicable solutions to help make the crossing even safer, leading to the recommendations made today:

- A locking system will be installed so that when the road gates are closed by the crossing keeper, the wicket gates will also be locked. The presence of the crossing keeper when the wicket gates are locked will ensure that no-one will be trapped in the crossing

- A footbridge will be installed so that access across the railway will be maintained when the gates are locked. The footbridge also ensures the long-term safety of pedestrians by providing a safe means of crossing the railway as rail traffic increases in future years and the wicket gates are locked for longer periods

Network Rail Route Director Jon Wiseman said: “Since the tragic deaths of Charlotte and Olivia we have been carrying out extensive investigations to explore every possible option for Elsenham crossing. The recommendations we have announced today represent safe and practicable solutions to help us make Elsenham crossing even safer. These measures will also ensure the long-term safety of pedestrians as the level of rail traffic through the station increases in future years.”

Design work for the gate locking system and footbridge is already underway and Network Rail will now seek official approval for the recommendations from the rail industry.

Jon Wiseman added: “We are committed to carrying out these measures and will work with the relevant parties to take these recommendations forward. But these changes will take time to implement and in the meantime, it is essential that people continue to use the crossing safely and correctly in its current set-up and follow the warning lights, alarms and instructions to ensure their safety.”

Along with the recommendations made today a number of other measures have already been implemented to make the crossing at Elsenham even safer: a second ticket machine has been installed; permanent CCTV cameras are in place; arrangements have been made for a greater British Transport Police presence at the crossing; a local awareness campaign has been held at the crossing to ensure people are using the crossing safely and correctly; and there will be visits into local schools in the coming months to promote railway safety.