Network Rail has given the go-ahead for the design of a £2.3m footbridge to be built in Chorley, to replace a level crossing. The company will also formally apply to Chorley Borough Council for the permanent closure of Ryland’s Crossing.

There have been two fatalities at the pedestrian crossing in as many years, a number of ‘near misses’ and instances of youths playing chicken with the trains.

Network Rail has wanted to close the crossing for some time but was advised it was unlikely to get approval as it is a public right of way.

Area general manager Stuart Middleton explained: “To close a public right of way, you have to provide an alternative route for people to use. In this particular case, the diversion would have been quite long and as the crossing is used by a large number of people, we chose the footbridge option.”

The bridge will meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act. Such a footbridge needs to be built on a large plot of land because it has to have ramps that can easily be used by people in wheelchairs. Network Rail has had to buy extra land for this purpose.

It is anticipated that the bridge will open in late summer or autumn 2010.

Closure of the crossing will bring other benefits for local residents and train passengers.

At the moment there are warning boards either side of the crossing which tell train drivers to sound their horns to alert pedestrians to the approach of the train. With the crossing closed there will be no need for these warnings so life will be quieter for people living near the railway.

There is also a temporary speed limit over the crossing to give pedestrians extra time to get clear of approaching trains. With the crossing closed, the speed limit can be lifted so trains can travel at up to 75 mph through the area, which in turn could lead to faster journey times in the future.