Safety concerns have been raised about backed-up vehicles stopping on Cornton level crossing.
According to Bridge of Allan residents the cause of the problem are ‘nibs’ – a build-out of the pavement incorporating a cycleway – installed in 2016 by the junction of nearby Westerlea Drive.
Traffic travelling towards Bridge of Allan is often unable to move forward if cars are parked on the left hand carriageway while vehicles on the opposite carriageway are moving towards Cornton.
Tailbacks can see vehicles headed for Bridge of Allan caught on the hatched area of the level crossing.
Residents say the issue, raised at last week’s meeting of Bridge of Allan Community Council, has got worse following the introduction of new barrier timings at the level crossing.
Before the upgrade Network Rail had stressed that the full- four-barrier system, had a radar safety feature which can detect objects on the railway line.
Bridge of Allan resident Gavin Drummond said this week: “The old level crossing gates were up and down in a minute with about two to three cars lined up on either side.
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“With the recent change to barrier timing they are now down for longer.
“There is more traffic backed up, sometimes as much as a dozen cars, so when the gates open there is a longer line of traffic with the nibs on the north side causing the congestion.
“Before the nibs there used to be enough room, even with cars parked on the left-hand carriageway, for two-way traffic to pass.
“But the change to the timing of the gates has aggravated the problem.
“Cars travelling towards Bridge of Allan at the end of the line are stuck on the crossing during tailbacks.”
Bridge of Allan Green councillor Alasdair Tollemache said this week that a number of constituents had been in touch with him to raise concerns about vehicles stopping on the level crossing.
He added: “It’s important to allay people’s fears.
“I have approached officers for their feedback on this. I think the best way forward is a site meeting to look at the matter.”
Conservative councillor Douglas Dodds said: “There is a safety element with regard to vehicle queuing within the area of the crossing.
“The problem is being caused by the nib build-out at Cornton Road junction with Westerlea Drive. Cars are forced further out into the road opposite cars parked, therefore vehicles tail back.
“I appreciate the crossing technology prevents accidents, but I’d like the council to consider having another look at this, and maybe remove the nibs.”
The work to upgrade Cornton level crossing, replacing a half-barrier with a full-barrier system, took place last spring.
Optical remote sensing technology, which scans for objects on the track, was also introduced as part of the upgrade.
Last year Network Rail said the work would help to address years of safety concerns at the crossing.
A Stirling Council spokesperson said this week: “The level crossing has appropriate road markings which ensure driver safety if they are observed correctly.
“The council has responded to recent community concerns raised in relation to the new level crossing and will continue to do so.”
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We have a range of measures in place at the crossing including barriers and a scanning system which can detect obstacles within in the crossing.
“Drivers should not attempt to enter the crossing unless they are sure they can exit on the other side and should not be sitting on the hatch markings.”
