Work continues on Terras Bridge rail barriers
WHILE the Sandplace to Looe (A387) road has re-opened to traffic, the section across Terras Bridge remains closed.
Network Rail is upgrading the un-manned ‘Open’ level crossing into a much safer ‘Automatic Barrier Crossing Locally-monitored’ (ABCL) system and engineers are hopeful that the work can be completed before the end off the month.
Meanwhile, those who would normally access homes and businesses on the western side of the East Looe River continue to face a long detour, via the unclassified Terras to Trenant Cross and Watergate road, and using the section past Treworgey Cottages before rejoining the Duloe Hill road (B3254) above the Sandplace railway bridge and station.
Built in c.1825, the Grade II listed Terras Bridge crosses the tidal river adjacent to the Liskeard and Looe Valley (Railway) Line and the remains of the Liskeard and Looe Union Canal.
In the days of steam engines, the crossing attendant who lived in the adjoining cottage (latterly a Mrs Collins) would open and close the gates each time a train was approaching.
When the gates were removed, some years ago now, the crossing was operated an an ‘Open’ one and trains approaching it have been obliged to halt and sound their whistle before proceeding across the road at nothing more than 10-mph.
It is thought that Terras has been one of only 60 remaining ‘open’ level crossings managed by Network Rail in the country, and also one of three crossings on the Looe Valley Line itself.
Open crossings account for approximately one per cent of the 6,180 level crossings operated or maintained by the rail company.
However, it will shortly become an ABCL, improving safety for everyone using the crossing and reducing delays on the railway.
Network Rail has been carrying out some of the noisier work, installing screw and sheet piles, during evening and night shifts when no trains have been running.
Said the company’s community relations executive Emma Heather: “The nature of our work often means some noise is unavoidable.
“We’re aware we will be working close to people’s home and will try to minimise this as much as possible, but we’re sorry if we do disturb anyone.”
ABCL crossings may appear to a motorist or pedestrian to operate in the same as an Automatic Half Barrier Crossings (AHBC) – in that there is a half-barrier over the nearside carriageway and they are initiated automatically by an approaching train – but the ‘locally monitored’ aspect also means that a train driver has to check the crossing is operating correctly by observing a flashing white light on the approach to the crossing.
The train must stop if it isn’t. The driver must also ensure that the crossing is clear before moving over.
Typically, train speeds remain lower at ABCL crossings. and telephones are provided to contact the signaller in an emergency.
2nd March 2024