Re-Configuration of Arrangements at McConaghy's/Brolley's Crossing

Tender description

McConaghy’s Crossing is situated on the Belfast to Derry Railway line, near Myroe, Limavady. In 2006 Infrastructure Division and NITHCo became aware that the road which crosses the railway at this point, known as Shore Avenue, is a Public Road, which is adopted by DRD Roads Service. Hence, McConaghy’s Crossing XL 196 is a Level Crossing. McConaghy’s Crossing is now operated as an open crossing by NIR with a 5MPH Permanent Speed Restriction in place for all trains in both the Up and Down directions. Gates remain at the crossing and the signage applicable to a user worked crossing is in place. McConaghy’s Crossing is used daily by members of the public seeking access to the nearby Lough Foyle sea wall and by farmers accessing land on the seaward side of the railway line. A frequent user is the owner and employees of a wholesale turf cultivation business. This business generates multiple tractor journeys during a working day over XL 196. Approximately 250 metres west of McConaghy’s Crossing is XL197 known as Brolley’s Crossing. This is a private crossing on a farm that is now used for turf cultivation. Multiple daily journeys take place at XL197. Based upon the proximity of XL197 to XL196 NIR will close XL197 as a part of the reconfiguration of crossing arrangements at XL196 and provide a new laneway across land beside the new level crossing to the lands previously served by XL197. NIR have completed Outline Design for the up-grade of the crossing to an Automatic Half Barrier Crossing (AHBC) including preliminary highway and lane designs. NIR intends to appoint a railway contractor to design and construct all aspects of this project. The design and implementation must be completed before the end of March 2013.