Letter: What About Pedestrians?

Published on: 12 Aug, 2023
Updated on: 12 Aug, 2023

From: Bibhas Neogi

In response to: Ash Road Bridge: Work on 18-month Project to Start in September

“Once the bridge is open, Ash level crossing will be closed” – so how will pedestrians cross the railway line? Fly?

There is no mention of the pedestrian bridge nor of its design and who will be paying for it. I think it had been mentioned that GBC would contribute towards its design.

Network Rail is obliged to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act and provide a suitable means for crossing the tracks by physically challenged train users. A compliant design with 1 in 20 wrapped around ramps would be about 270 metres long. The alternative would be to provide a bridge with stairs and lifts.

The level crossing cannot be closed until an alternative crossing for pedestrians could be provided.

By the way, does Cllr George Potter (Lib Dem, Burpham) still thinks that £23 million of grant money could be spent by the end of the financial year?

Responses to Letter: What About Pedestrians?

George Potter Reply

August 12, 2023 at 3:46 pm

To answer the question asked of me specifically [by Bibhas Neogi], yes.

George Potter is a Lib Dem borough councillor for Burpham
- Bibhas Neogi Reply
  
  August 13, 2023 at 3:37 pm
  
  Thank you Cllr George Potter. Perhaps a split between land costs and the bridge cost would be useful information to have.
  
  Would GBC disclose whether the contract is for the bridge as designed for GBC by its consultant or is it a design and build by the contractor?
Martin Elliott Reply

August 13, 2023 at 1:18 pm

What are the current plans for the declared redundant road bridge at Stoke Cross Roads? It was due to be removed following the Stoke Road/A3 improvements.

Yes, it was delayed by Covid but no explanation has been given to say why it hasn’t been removed since.

I don’t know if there is space for it at the Ash level crossing, but that might be one way to recycle and reuse rather than scrap.
- Bibhas Neogi Reply
  
  August 14, 2023 at 3:59 pm
  
  It may be possible to reuse this footbridge provided its careful removal, any necessary alterations and transportation costs outweigh the cost of a new bridge.
  
  Other considerations are the ramps that are the greater part of this structure. Pedestrians, cyclists, disability scooters, prams and buggies need a gentler slope and the current design standards require ramps with 1 in 20 incline, landings and change of directions.
  
  Such a new crossing would require a fair bit of land on either side of the tracks adjacent to the platforms. I have not come across any information about procurement of areas required for this crossing.
  
  I guess Network Rail could accommodate a more compact design of a bridge with stairs and lifts within their property limits and make them accessible to public.
  
  However, the level crossing needs to be kept (albeit modified to prevent vehicular use) in case of closure due maintenance or failure of the lifts or even if the lifts were to remain closed during the period when no trains run ie overnight to prevent anti-social activities.
  - Sylvia Flanagan Reply
    
    August 20, 2023 at 12:20 pm
    
    Will a footbridge for Ash crossing take as long in planning as the need for a lift at Ash Vale Station? It seems that obligations and informing residents are way down the list of what’s important.
    - Bibhas Neogi Reply
      
      August 21, 2023 at 11:06 am
      
      I would expect the councils and Network Rail to provide the answers. The fact is that Ash level crossing cannot be closed to pedestrians until a new footbridge is built. I am afraid I do not know about the need for a lift at Ash Vale Station. Network Rail should provide access to platforms on both sides of the tracks for users of mopeds, wheelchairs and buggies etc. unless there is a level crossing close by.
      
      A correction to my previous reply to Martin Elliot – I meant to say ‘…provided costs do not outweigh cost of a new bridge’.
    - Peta Malthouse Reply
      
      August 24, 2023 at 4:01 pm
      
      I would just add ‘Wanborough too’ I can no longer use my train station because of walking difficulties There isn’t even a handrail on the stairs of the bridge which should be at regulation height