Cornton crossing "issue" causes 24 hour delay to motorists

Delays were reported at the Cornton crossing after the issue was reported
-Credit: (Image: Stirling Observer)


Motorists in Cornton faced a day of disruption over the weekend after the level crossing was closed due to a “fault”.

The level crossing was shut off after the issues were first reported on Saturday morning as Network Rail investigators sought to find a replacement part to resolve the issues.

Train services were quickly restored through the crossing, but traffic on Cornton Road remained impacted for almost 24 hours.

Works were eventually completed on Sunday morning and the road fully re-opened, but the long closure has led to questions over the nature of the fault.

Clackmannanshire and Dunblane MSP Keith Brown told the Observer: “I was concerned to hear about the disruption at the level crossing in Cornton over the weekend - both on the rail and, more concerningly, on the road, which was closed for 24 hours on Saturday.

“I commend Network Rail for dealing with the rail issue in a reasonable time period, but locals want to know why the the road was closed for that extended length of time.

“In light of this, I’ve contacted Network Rail today to find out why the road was closed for so long, and I look forward to hearing from them.”

Clackmannanshire and Dunblane MSP Keith Brown
Clackmannanshire and Dunblane MSP Keith Brown -Credit: Ken Jack/Getty Images

Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed added: “I was made aware of disruption that has been caused over the weekend due to technical issues at the level crossing.

“Whilst the level crossing itself sits outside my constituency, the knock on impact to residents in Cornton and Causewayhead is significant with increased traffic and longer journey times as well as diversion to local bus routes.

“I hope that Network Rail are able to resolve the issue so that this does not re-occur.”

The issue of traffic at the crossing has been a regular topic
The issue of traffic at the crossing has been a regular topic -Credit:NETWORK RAIL

Traffic issues at the Cornton crossing are not a new issue in recent years, with local residents complaining back in 2022 about the impact of newly-installed ‘nibs’ - a build-out of the pavement incorporating a cycleway - on increasing car volume.

There have been significant upgrades on the junction, including the introduction of a full-barrier system after the crossing had been identified as a major accident blackspot and a problematic crossing for more than two decades.

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A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Cornton No1 level crossing experienced a power failure on Saturday and for safety reasons had to close temporarily, meaning no road or rail traffic could pass.

“The power was restored, and the road re-opened early on Sunday morning. The level crossing has been operating normally since then.”