Eight Mid Wales rail crossings to go in £7.5 million deal
Millions of pounds will be spent closing up to eight level crossings in Mid Wales in a bid to improve safety and help the Cambrian Railway line's train performance and punctuality.
The £7.5 million programme will see roads and farm tracks re-routed and three new bridges built over the track between Newtown and Machynlleth.
Welsh Assembly transport minister Edwina Hart said that £3 million had been allocated by the Welsh Government along with £4.5 million from Network Rail.
The project will include two kilometres of new highway works, two roads over rail bridges and one new river bridge.
The announcement comes as an improved timetable for the line has been unveiled, which will come into operation in May.
Angus Eickhoff, chairman of the Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth Rail Passengers Association, welcomed the project saying it would make the line much safer.
It is not yet know when work will begin.
Mr Eickhoff, from Moel y Garth, Welshpool, said: "We have welcomed this news as level crossings bring with them safety worries.
"Anything to make the rail line safer has to be welcomed.
"We understand that roads will be re-routed to link up with existing bridges across the railway. This has already happened at Forden, near Welshpool."
Mr Eickhoff said that he understands the level crossings may include one at Carno and another at Borth as well as smaller crossings for farms.
Plaid Cymru Mid & West Wales Assembly Member, Simon Thomas, added: "It is good news for passengers as it will mean better train performance and punctuality, along with helping the farming community move livestock across the line.
"I believe that in the future here in Wales we should have more control over railways and move to a not-for-profit model which will mean more money going into services for passengers rather than into private hands."
