Railway foot crossings closed

Two foot crossings on the Hertford East branch line on The Meads have been closed following a fatal accident and near miss.

The paths have been closed after a man was killed in March on the New River Path crossing.

Local residents have expressed their disappointment at the closure of the crossings, especially on the New River Path, which is scenic walk to Ware in addition to a circular walk from Kingsmead to Chadwell Spring. Herts and Middx Wildlife Trust were preparing to open three new signposted walks across the meads; two of which used the New River Path level crossing. 

Local councillors wrote an open letter to Network Rail about the closure in June and have recently received a response.

After every accident or near miss at a level crossing, we carry out a risk assessment to determine whether any changes are necessary to avoid a repeat. Having reassessed the New River crossing we concluded that the only way to reduce the risk to the public it represents is to temporarily close it. We’re working closely with Thames Water to determine how this crossing can be made safe. A decision to reopen the crossing will need to be supported by a thorough risk assessment.

The full statement from Network Rail can be read on the Kingsmead Neighbourhood Plan website.