Road sign caused obstruction which stopped Shropshire level crossing barriers coming down
A temporary road diversion sign caused an obstruction which prevented automated safety barriers closing at a Shropshire level crossing, Network Rail has revealed.
The barriers failed to close despite flashing lights warning of an approaching train on Sunday. The train went through at a reduced speed.
It is the latest problem at the level crossing on Aston Street in Wem which has been mired in controversy since it became automated in October 2013, regularly causing traffic tailbacks.
In January the barriers failed to shut despite flashing lights warning of an approaching train.
When the fault was recognised Network Rail said the barriers did close over the tracks – but remained shut for more than an hour, causing long tailbacks on either side of the crossing.
Last May a signal fault caused the crossing to slam shut for three hours, causing massive tailbacks for motorists, including an ambulance.
The latest problem happened at about 8.30pm on Sunday and was witnessed by Wem resident Ruth Golding.
Miss Golding, 18, said: "I live close to the train tracks and was going over the crossing to pick up my friend from the station.
"When I got there the train was already going through but the barriers had not been lowered – the red warning lights were flashing. It was quite frightening as anybody could have gone through as the barriers were not down. Something needs to be done to stop this happening."
A Network Rail spokeswoman said: "On Sunday evening a sensor at Wem level crossing detected an obstruction under one of the crossing's barriers, which was later identified as a temporary road diversion sign. The barriers are designed to remain raised if something is detected beneath them and the equipment is designed to stop the normal movement of trains if any object is detected on the crossing.
"In this situation, the driver of each train is automatically stopped before getting to the crossing. Train drivers are then allowed to continue very slowly at caution with the specific instruction to only proceed over the crossing if it is clear to do so, the red flashing lights are operating and road traffic is not moving.
"Although the barriers were raised, red lights and audible warnings indicated to motorists that they were not permitted to use the crossing at this time and vehicles remained safely at a standstill as trains passed.
"We apologise for any inconvenience caused."
