Walkway save villagers from being cut off

Villagers in Abermule have been spared from being effectively split in two after the local MP intervened to have a temporary pedestrian walkway at a railway crossing.

Residents of Abermule were facing the prospect of a 12-mile detour on foot to reach the opposite side of their community when Network Rail announced the full closure of the level crossing on the B4368 until Thursday, April 3. 

The closure, which still affects vehicles, was required to allow for essential maintenance, including re-ballasting, re-sleepering, and re-railing of the track.

Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr MP Steve Witherden successfully lobbied Network Rail to create a temporary pedestrian solution after hearing concerns from many constituents who the closure would have severely impacted.

The temporary walkway now includes a crowd barrier leading to a crossing point on the track. A crossing attendant is permanently present, and temporary lighting is installed at both the crossing point and the entry from the road. 

Network Rail has confirmed the crossing is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs and is signposted.

Mr Witherden said: "I thank Network Rail for working with me to get a temporary walkway installed for constituents using the Abermule level crossing.

"I was concerned about families who might only have one car, with one partner going to work in it and the other left at home with small children to take to school on the other side of the tracks, or someone without a car living on one side and working on the other. The closure of the pedestrian crossing would have meant a 12-mile detour on foot for these people."

The MP also highlighted that the recent concurrent closure of the A470 and the Cambrian Line had highlighted how vulnerable rural communities can be to transport disruptions.

"In areas like ours, single closures can lead to big delays and communities cut in two. I am very happy we were able to find a solution to this," he added.

The vehicle diversion remains in place until the scheduled completion of the maintenance work on April 3.