Plea to heed safety message during Broughty Ferry underpass work
Broughty Ferry residents have been warned to take care at a railway crossing after maintenance work started on a nearby underpass.
The Gray Street level crossing in Broughty Ferry.
- By Jonathan Watson
- Published in the Courier : 10.01.12
- Published online : 10.01.12 @ 10.39am
Network Rail has asked those people who would normally use the pedestrian tunnel at Gray Street to exercise caution when making their way across the railway line as the underpass closes for over two weeks of improvement works.
People are allowed to cross the railway line on foot as long as they follow the necessary rules and do so only when permitted.
A Network Rail spokesman said: ''As far as pedestrians using the crossing is concerned, they can cross, but should make sure they obey road traffic signals and only access the crossing when the barriers are up and the lights are not flashing.''
The coming weeks will see improved lighting put in place in the tunnel while drainage will also be attended to, possibly resulting in the removal of an elevated walkway originally installed to keep people's feet dry when the route flooded.
Councillor Laurie Bidwell has welcomed the work being undertaken at the underpass and believes the improvements will encourage more people to use it in future.
He said: ''I think these are all worthwhile improvements which residents and visitors will appreciate. I hope this will increase public safety at the level crossing by making the pedestrian underpass more user friendly.
''Hopefully these improvements will put an end to the underpass as a smelly, ill-lit and grubby place to avoid.''
However, Mr Bidwell has highlighted his concerns regarding youngsters, fearing that some may be tempted to take unnecessary risks.
He added: ''I trust this temporary closure will not tempt any pedestrians, especially children and young people at our local schools to try to cross the level crossing at the last minute as the safety barriers are coming down.
''I have written to the head teachers at Eastern Primary School and Grove Academy to draw attention to this temporary closure and the potential hazard this might pose for their pupils walking to and from school."
12.02pm - 10.01.2012 Mark - Dundee, UK Report This
It's either a sad reflection on society, or a sad reflection on the council's view of our society, that pedestrians seemingly need advice on how to use a level crossing.
10.45am - 11.01.2012 Doglover - Dundee, Scotland Report This
There are always people, young and old, who think that they can beat the barriers and are willing to risk their lives rather than wait a few minutes for the train to pass.
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