It’s been over seven years since Network Rail submitted a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) to close or modify 57 rail crossing in Essex, Hertfordshire, the unitary authorities of Thurrock and Southend-on-Sea, and the London Borough of Havering. Following a Public Inquiry, the Secretary of State granted Network Rail the powers to close or modify 37 of them. The good news was that 18 rail crossings have been saved from closure. Following a Public Inquiry the Order finally came into effect on 30 June 2022.
The Order impacted three local rail crossings between Bishop’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth
Pattens (Thorley FP 022)
Gilston (Thorley FP 007)
Tednambury (Sawbridgeworth FP 003)
The first crossing (Pattens), this is the one that enters Thorley Wash Nature Reserve, has been preserved by order of the Secretary of State and will not be closed or diverted. We have been waiting for further news regarding the diversions proposals for the remaining two crossing which has been subject to ongoing discussions between Network Rail and Herts CC. Last week a Planning Application was submitted to East Herts District Council in relation to the Tednambury crossing. Although it focuses on the creation of a new footbridge it does provide details of the proposed diversion route south alongside the railway line to the private crossing at Tednambury Farm. The diversion would only add a couple of hundred metres to the journey and has the advantage of maintaining the high ground and views over the Stort valley. Full details of the Planning Application can be found by clicking on the following link.
The BSDFA will review the Application and provide input. The key issue for us is that the diverted route is made available to the public prior to the closure of the existing crossing.
