A level crossing in rural Somerset is set to potentially widen to accommodate a new pedestrian link, following the approval of 145 new homes nearby. The Cathole Bridge Road crossing, situated just south of Crewkerne near the Somerset-Dorset border, sits east of the recently repaired Crewkerne tunnel, which underwent emergency work after a landslip in December 2023.
This crossing serves as a crucial safe route over the London Waterloo to Exeter St. David’s railway line, connecting Crewkerne with the village of Misterton. The line is operated by the newly nationalised South Western Railway (SWR), offering hourly train services in both directions.
In July, Network Rail submitted an application to Somerset Council proposing to reroute a public right of way to run over the level crossing. This change aims to eliminate an unsignalled pedestrian path between the crossing and the tunnel, enhancing safety and accessibility.
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To engage with the community, Network Rail will host a drop-in event at the Henhayes Centre in Crewkerne on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Here, they will provide details on the proposed footpath diversion and answer public questions. If approved, the changes could be implemented as early as summer 2026.
The timing of these developments follows the Planning Inspectorate’s approval of Tilia Homes' appeal to construct 145 residences at the nearby Maple Grove site on Lang Road, just a few hundred yards from the level crossing.
Local group Space4Crewkerne announced the upcoming public meeting via its Facebook page, emphasizing the importance of community involvement.
Currently, the right of way runs south from Cathole Bridge Road near Lang Road, crossing the rail line and connecting to a local track that loops back to Cathole Bridge Road. The proposed diversion would shift the footpath to follow Cathole Bridge Road directly to the end of that track.
Cathole Bridge Road, lacking pavements and lined with dense hedges, is frequently used as a shortcut for pedestrians traveling to Crewkerne railway station in Misterton parish, bypassing the town centre’s single-system traffic controls.
Somerset Council has yet to announce a timeline for its decision on Network Rail’s application, leaving the community awaiting further updates.