Public Rights of Way Report - Chiltern Evergreen3

Whether it is Reasonably Practicable to Make the Crossing Safe for Use bythe Public7.5 The consideration of crossing alternatives in each location has been driven bythe need to provide safe passage across the railway. As stated in Section 4,Chiltern Railways has adopted the approach that the most effective way ofreducing level crossing risk is to eliminate the crossing completely, asendorsed by Network Rail. This can be achieved either by provision of a newbridged crossing or the creation of diversionary route to another safe crossingpoint. In considering alternative crossing solutions, one of the main criteriaused was whether it provided a safe crossing alternative. This was consideredtogether with other criteria including operation and maintenance costs andoperational performance and funding levels. In all cases the crossing of therailway has been made safe.Arrangements Being Made for Ensuring that Appropriate Barriers andSigns are Erected and Maintained7.6 Chiltern Railways will ensure that all appropriate barriers and signs areerected and maintained. The elements of the development for which deemedplanning consent is being sought through the Transport and Works Act Orderincludes “the installation of full barriers, traffic lights and CCTV at the London Roadcrossing” and the “erection of necessary boundary fencing, lighting and signage”.7.7 Chiltern Railways has proposed a draft planning condition to be attached tothe Planning Direction (Condition 4) in relation to the provision of securityfencing to this effect. The condition states that development shall notcommence until details of all permanent boundary fencing or other means ofenclosure have been submitted to and approved by the local planningauthority.7.8 Chiltern Railways will be responsible for erecting the necessary signs andbarriers required as part of the construction process. The responsibility for themaintenance of the barriers and signs within the rail corridor will transferwith ownership to Network Rail or the local authority, by agreement, oncompletion of the works.CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS ON PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY USERS7.9 The Chiltern Railways (Bicester to Oxford Improvements) Order contains aprovision that requires that during construction the existing at-grade crossingswill be kept open until the permanent replacement and/or diversion havebeen constructed in the vicinity.ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT42CHILTERN RAILWAYS