Network Rail upgrading Llanelli level crossings

Network Rail will be replacing the barriers, lights, and associated crossing equipment with modern equivalents as well as installing new under road crossing equipment at both the east and west crossings in Llanelli.

They are also removing the crossing box at Llanelli West and transferring control of the crossings to to their signalling control centre at Port Talbot. Eventually, the crossings will be controlled from Cardiff rail operating centre.

Between October 2011 and May 2012, they had logged 39 incidents at Llanelli East and 13 incidents at Llanelli West involving people who try to cross the railway line while the safety barriers are in operation.

Robin Basu, community relations manager for Wales, said: “This scheme will mean improved reliability at the crossings as the new equipment will be subject to less down time resulting from failure.

“Additionally, the crossing at Llanelli West will be further improved as we are providing four barriers, as opposed to the two which are currently there.”

Network Rail state that safety is their number one priority and for this reason, work of this type must be carried out while trains are not running. They are obliged to work, whenever possible, at times that cause the least disruption to train services. This means carrying out a lot of the improvements during the night and at weekends.

Temporary road closures

A number of road closures are being planned to allow this work to happen, subject to final approvals from county highways. Currently, they do not expect any changes to these details:

East crossing road closures (Station Rd and New Dock Rd)

• 28 July 2012 21.00 to 29 July 2012 at 10.30
• 11 August 2012 21.00 to 12 August 2012 10.30
• 22 September 2012 (time tbc) to 22 October 2012 (time tbc)

West crossing road closures (Gathen Terrace and Glanmor Rd)

• 4 August 2012 21.00 to 5 August 2012 at 10.30
• 18 August 2012 21.00 to 19 August 2012 10.30
• 6 October 2012 (time tbc) to 7 October 2012 (time tbc)
• 27 October 2012 (time tbc) to 3 December 2012 (time tbc)

The equipment they will use means some disturbance is unavoidable, but they say they will make every effort possible to keep it to a minimum.

If residents have any questions or concerns, the they can ring the national helpline on 08457 11 41 41, it is open 24-hours.