A49 level crossing re-opening welcomed at Onibury

Commuters and residents alike breathed a sigh of relief as the A49 at Onibury re-opened to traffic once more after more than week of long diversions and two weekends of rail disruption.

The overhauled crossing, on the road between Ludlow and Craven Arms, and the line between Hereford and Shrewsbury, is now fully functioning and rail bosses hope this latest work will mean a safer crossing with no more need for repeated repairs.

The work caused some controversy with an official diversion of 60 miles via Kidderminster and Bridgnorth for those going from Shrewsbury to Leominster, while locals attempted to navigate a much shorter unofficial route around B roads between Bromfield, north of Ludlow, and the Corvedale, east of Craven Arms.

Network Rail has thanked residents and commuters for their patience as the crossing opened earlier than planned on Sunday evening, ready for a first full day of use yesterday.

Jeff Davies, director of route safety and asset management for Network Rail Wales, said the work, which began on July 1, was completed as quickly and safely as possible.

He said: “The successful improvements to Onibury level crossing as part of our railway upgrade plan will mean less disruption for commuters and passengers in the future.

“The renewed crossing and upgraded track will help to prevent repeated closures in the future and allow us to continue operating a safe and reliable railway so that we see everyone home safe every day.

“We would like to thank the local community for their patience while this essential transformation was carried out.”

He said thousands of vehicles on the A49 every day put pressure on the surface, causing pot-holes to form and the upgrade was carried out following several short notice emergency road closures for safety reasons becasue of it.

The new level crossing panels are made of black rubber instead of concrete, he said, which made the surface more durable and smoother for road users.

Councillor Tony Mantle, chairman of Onibury Parish Council, said: “We are pleased Network Rail have completed their work on time and reopened the road. We have received regular updates from them during the work and have been happy with how they have dealt with any issues that have arisen throughout the project.”

However, Andy Boddington, Shropshire councillor for Ludlow North, said it could have been handled better.

He said: "This closure had to happen at short notice because Network Rail had failed to upgrade and repair the Onibury crossing over several years. The result is that trade in Ludlow has been lower than normal. The diversions were lengthy and often confusing.

"The quality and safety of the Onibury crossing has been deteriorating for years. Network Rail could have repaired it at any time. Last winter would have been ideal. But the rail company failed to act, leading to an unprecedented closure and huge diversions at the peak of the tourist season," he added.