Further dozens of level crossings removed from lines of Správa železnic

Správa železnic successfully continues to reduce the number of level crossings on its network. Nearly seventy level crossings of the railway with other transport routes have already been eliminated since the beginning of 2022. Besides the modifications that improve the safety of level crossings, the reduction of their number represents another important way to increase safety of both rail and road traffic and their smoothness. The safest crossing is one that does not exist at all.

While two years ago there were 37 and last year 52 fewer crossings, this year the pace has accelerated even more. From 7,734 at the beginning of 2022, the number of level crossings on Správa železnic lines has already decreased by 69. This reflects the simplification of the whole process of cancelling level crossings thanks to the amended legislation effective from 2021. The new legislation facilitates solutions in cases where the detour via another level crossing with at least the same level of safety is not longer than five kilometres. After an individual assessment and agreement with local administrations and other affected entities, especially less used crossings on field and forest roads are being cancelled. In these cases, Správa železnic often also seeks alternative access options to the land parcels concerned. However, there are also crossings with high traffic volumes, which are being replaced by off-level crossings.

Of the level crossings cancelled this year so far, 34 were level crossings secured by a warning cross, and another 22 were equipped with mechanical level crossing safety equipment. However, crossings with warning lights or barrier beams have been cancelled as well, often in connection with the line modernisation. For example, due to the relocations as part of the modernisation of the IV. railway transit corridor.

Two dozen cancelled level crossings were located in the Central Bohemia Region, while ten fewer in the South Bohemia Region and the Moravian-Silesian Region. On the other hand, only one level crossing has been cancelled in the Pilsen Region so far this year or, for example, in Vysočina. The vast majority of the railway crossings with local and special purpose roads have disappeared, only eight crossings were located on higher-class roads. Crossing removals are expected to continue at a similar pace next year.

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