Following renewed safety concerns at Moat Lane Crossing in Caersws on the A470 Trunk Road, Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates has lobbied Network Rail and the Assembly Government to improve the junction, by moving the current Moat Lane junction to a safer point on the A470.
In correspondence with Mick Bates the Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones has clarified that Welsh Government officials were not party to the risk assessment carried out by Network Rail and due to concern regarding the project’s compliance with highways design star cards, an independent safety audit was carried out by the Welsh Government.
Commenting, Assembly Member Mick Bates stated:
“I am pleased that the Minister for Transport recognised the safety concerns at Moat Lane Crossing and has carried out an independent safety audit into the recent modifications by Network Rail.
“I have requested a copy of the audit which I hope demonstrates that Network Rail did not undertake a full robust audit of alterations and supports a re-examination of the situation, to identify a safer solution to improve the Caersws crossing.
“I am waiting to hear from Welsh Government officials and look forward to working with them to identify a better solution for the upgrade scheme at Moat Lane. I am extremely concerned for local residents, businesses and all road users who use this junction regularly and I will be pressing for a speedy resolution of this issue.”
