Delny level crossing will remain open until bridge plan is agreed
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AN EASTER Ross level crossing will remain open pending plans to replace it with a new bridge.
The level crossing at Delny was the scene of a tragedy in February 2007 in which teenagers died when the car they were in was struck by a train.
The crossing at the railway forms a point of access for locals living in the area and has been linked housing development plans.
The prospect of a bridge crossing over the railway was mooted last year amidst concerns by local community representatives that they were not being kept in the loop over what was being proposed.
Caithness Sutherland and Ross MSP Rob Gibson yesterday welcomed an announcement which will see Delny level crossing near Invergordon stay open until a new construction is put in place.
Mr Gibson said he had met with Network Rail bosses to put the case for the retention of a crossing and followed it up with further meetings and letters.
Network Rail says a decision has been taken to open negotiations with a view to creating a new crossing of a bridge, which would be open to vehicles and pedestrians, close to the existing site.
Mr Gibson said: “This is a most welcome announcement. I have been pushing hard with Network Rail to make sure that a crossing is left in place so that it did not inconvenience the local community.
"The announcement shows that there is a plan in place to plan a positive solution. I hope that all stakeholders whether they are land owners or Network Rail themselves work together to find a speedy solution.
“I am heartened to hear that the crossing will remain open in the meantime and even if there are problems with the building of a bridge that half barriers will be installed on the crossing.”
