Hilton level crossing due to reopen after gates damaged in crash

Repairs proved more complex than initially thought

A level crossing in Derbyshire damaged in a crash is to reopen to drivers after being shut for a month.

Network Rail said a vehicle hit the crossing over the A5132 in Hilton on 1 March and damaged its gates.

While trains were cleared to pass afterwards, the road has been shut to motorists and pedestrians since.

It was initially thought repairs would be complete within a week of the crash, but the "substantial damage" delayed the reopening, now set for 7 April.

Engineers have had to lay fresh foundations, concrete a new post and fit a new gate - and pedestrians have since been allowed to cross.

A vehicle hit the crossing and damaged its gates, said Network Rail

Anna Ebblewhite, route level crossing manager for Network Rail in the East Midlands, said: "We want to apologise to motorists for the road remaining shut longer than anticipated.

"However, we want to reassure motorists that our teams are working hard to repair the gates.

"The safety of drivers, passengers, and train crew is essential, and the work is vital in ensuring the safe operation of the level crossing."