Faulty crossing warnings lead to near misses near Barmouth

The Talwyn Bach/Llanbedr crossing, located on the road leading from Llanbedr village to Shell Island, near Barmouth, has first failed last week.

Tourists have reported close calls, raising concerns about safety at the site.

Shell Island posted a safety notice on social media earlier this week, urging the public visiting the site to exercise caution when using the crossing.

The notice said: "The warning lights and siren keep constantly failing on the Talwyn Bach/Llanbedr level crossing. This is the road leading down from Llanbedr Village to Shell Island.

"Please proceed with caution, as the train cannot be seen when approaching from Barmouth as the trees and Railway cottage hide it.

"This has been ongoing for the last week, with myself and tourists having several near misses as the train is hidden right at the point of it crossing the road."

"If this was happening constantly in Barmouth or Criccieth it would have been fixed by now."

A video shared by Shell Island on Thursday from the site said despite Network Rail vans visiting on Wednesday, the signals still don't work.

The video showed a train approaching the crossing from the Barmouth direction, sounding its horn, and passing through at a reduced speed.

The video stressed that it is not the train drivers' fault, but questioned why there is no signage in place to alert road users that the warning system is out of order.

The lights and warning sirens were also down for a time in July, according to Shell Island.

Responding to the County Times, Network Rail said the crossing operates automatically, where the lights beginning to flash when an approaching train is detected, adding that safety was a "top priority".

"At this location, approaching trains are detected by a track circuit, however, due to reduced electrical conductivity, the track circuit has occasionally been operating out of sequence," a spokesman said. "If this happens the signal system gives a warning to the approaching train, which must contact the signaller before proceeding

"When this happens, train drivers must follow strict safety process. As they approach the crossing, drivers are required reduce their speed significantly, bringing the train to a near stop at the crossing. This allows them to check that the area is clear of vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists before safely proceeding.

"Drivers will often wave to people waiting at the crossing. This is to acknowledge they’re aware of their presence and are carrying out the final required safety checks before continuing their journey.

"We are due to trial an alternative track circuit, as well as consider a number of solutions at Talwrn Bach shortly to determine whether it improves the sequencing of the warning system. If the trial is successful, we will look to replace the existing equipment permanently as quickly as possible.

"In the meantime, we ask everyone using the crossing to continue to approach with care and follow the warning lights. Train drivers will continue to follow the required safety procedures, approaching the crossing slowly to ensure it is clear before proceeding."