A PLAN has been mooted to remove a level crossing in Salisbury and replace it with a footbridge to help improve safety.

Representatives from National Rail gave a presentation on the initial plans for the Gramshaw Road level crossing to Salisbury Area on Board on Thursday (January 23) in City Hall.

Pam Elkington, liability negotiations adviser, said the plans were in the “early stages” and would replace the crossing with a stepped footbridge.

There is currently a public footpath across the railway, which is accessed via a kissing gate.

Ms Elkington said: “At the moment the only protection it has from the trains for the users is whistle boards and an audible warning device.”

She said it was “compliant” in terms of people having enough time to cross before the train approaches but it was “impacted by vegetation”.

The meeting also heard the crossing has a “high” daily usage by the public and a high number of trains going across it.

Ms Elkington said: “It does experience incidents there. There have been a trend of one or two near misses there every year. That is basically why we are doing it.”

The meeting was also told that currently the crossing is not accessible to those using mobility scooters. Installing ramps had been looked at but was not possible due to limited space.

Ms Elkington added: “We are currently look to improve the current access. At the moment cyclists need to lift their bikes over the crossing gates to use the crossing.

“We would look to add cycle gutters to the footbridge so they would be able to wheel their bikes up it. It would also remove the whistle boards so the drivers would no longer sound their horn on approach to the crossing so there would be less noise pollution.”

Councillor Mary Douglas raised concerns regarding disabled access.

Ms Elkington said this would be looked at in more detail.

The meeting heard the crossing was mainly used by people going to and from work.

Colin McGowan, the level crossing manager, said: “At the moment the evidence is not that there is a high level of vulnerable users.”

It is hoped a feasibility study will be completed by November.

A public consultation will also be carried out once a design is finalised.