Major Upgrades Coming to Main Road Level Crossing at Driffield

Thursday, 9 January 2025 06:00

By Matthew Pells

Engineers will be carrying out vital upgrades to Driffield’s Skerne Road level crossing to improve rail reliability and enhance safety for pedestrians, motorists and passengers.

From 7am on Tuesday 28 January to 7am on Monday 3 February, the road over the level crossing will be closed with diversion routes in place to allow teams to carry out a full renewal to the crossing and replace decades-old equipment.

The work will include replacing the level crossing deck, upgrading the crossing from a two-barrier to a four-barrier system, removing the wicket gate to improve vehicle access, resurfacing the road, and implementing a new operating system.

While the work is ongoing, buses are replacing trains between Beverley and Scarborough in both directions, with services terminating at Beverley. Trains will then run again from Monday 3 February.

A shuttle bus service will also operate to transport pedestrians around the diversion.

Amelia Fordyce, scheme project manager for Network Rail’s Eastern region, said:

“These upgrades are essential for improving the reliability and long-term safety of this ageing level crossing. Spare parts for the crossing are no longer available so, for example, if a barrier was to fail, we would have to close the crossing, causing significantly more disruption to the local community.

“We apologise for the disruption caused on this vital Hull to Scarborough line during the work and urge passengers to check National Rail Enquiries before they travel.”

Kerry Peters, regional director for Northern, said:

“We are advising all customers who will be travelling between Beverley and Scarborough to allow more time for their journeys while this essential work is taking place as rail replacement services will be running.

“This is an important project that will allow us to continue running a safe and reliable rail service for years to come and we’d like to thank everyone in advance for their patience.”