Safety upgrade to start at level crossing

A LEVEL crossing in Broughty Ferry will be given a safety upgrade after Network Rail spent months monitoring its usage.

A red to green light is to be put in place at Harecraig crossing, which has been used freely by pedestrians for decades.

The move comes after Britain’s railway operator conducted a survey for several months.

It has now decided usage is high enough that further health and safety measures are necessary.

Just under a year ago, the crossing was shut to the public with a sign stating the reasons were related to the spread of Covid-19.

The crossing is vital for many elderly residents, who would otherwise need to climb a steep hill to access the riverside walkway at Grassy Beach and shops in Broughty Ferry.

It is also used regularly by the Royal Tay Yacht Club to transfer boats to the shore.

Councillor Craig Duncan said at the time Network Rail needed to be more transparent about its future.

Welcoming the latest development, he said: “This is a welcome solution which maintains pedestrian access and enhances safety at a popular and very, very longestablished crossing.

“Many view it as, in effect, a public right of way. This is a view I know is shared by council officers when I raised my concerns with them about the initial closure at the start of lockdown last year.

“Vehicular access will continue to rightly be restricted to certain people and not available on demand to the general public.”

Network Rail bought land from the Royal Tay Yacht Club to enable it to progress the upgrade.

A safety attendant was recently put in place at the site but this will no longer be needed.

Only pedestrians will be able to use the lights to cross while the vehicle gate will still need to be operated by a Network Rail-appointed supervisor.

A Network Rail project manager confirmed the work will run from February 27 to March 19.