No barriers planned for Delny level crossing
A ROSS-SHIRE level crossing, which was the scene of a fatal accident nearly six years ago, may soon be closed to vehicles.
Network Rail confirmed today (Wednesday) that it had no plans to install barriers at the Delny crossing in Easter Ross and was instead looking into the possibility of introducing pedestrian-only access.
The news has not gone down well with local councillor Jamie Stone who said there had been no consultation with elected community or Highland councillors on this issue.
"This is not at all in the spirit of what we’ve been campaigning for since the fatal accident, which was to get barriers," he said.
He added the Delny crossing was on a stretch of road which linked Barbaraville to the A9 trunk road, and was used by a lot of motorists, including by workers travelling to the Nigg yard.
A Network Rail spokesman said: "We are currently discussing with Highland Council a proposal to seek a change in status at the crossing at Delny to remove vehicle access while maintaining pedestrian access.
"Based on proposed development in the area we have no plans to introduce the new barrier system at this location as it would not be a suitable solution to future levels of usage on the road."
Local teenagers Paul Oliver and Alan Thain, both 17, died when a car they were travelling in hit a train at the crossing in February 2007.
Driver Richard Fleming was given a custodial sentence for causing the deaths by dangerous driving.
