Gipsy Lane level crossing in Needham Market to close

The Gipsy Lane level crossing in Needham Market will shut and Network Rail is building a new footpath under the railway using an existing culvert for pedestrians. 

A spokesman for Network Rail said "Closing the crossing has been Network Rail’s aim since the tragic death of Olive McFarland in 2011."

The animal lover was killed by a train travelling at nearly 100mph on a stretch of track which only three weeks earlier a Network Rail employee had said should have had a speed restriction put in place of 55mph.

Former actress Olive McFarland from Creeting St Mary near Needham Market (Image: Newsquest)

Following the incident, a temporary speed restriction was imposed to trains and the crossing distance was reduced by straightening the crossing and re-positioning the gate, to improve safety while plans for providing an alternative were explored. 

A public consultation held by Network Rail showed support for the diversion of level crossing users to an existing culvert underpass about 230 metres north of Gipsy Lane. 

A new footpath will be built through private land on both sides of the railway linking with Stowmarket Road. 

Former actress Olive McFarland (Image: Newsquest)

The new route will begin construction this month and is due to be completed by the end of 2024.  

A memorial plaque for Olive McFarland, agreed with her family, will be placed at the entrance to the culvert.  

Lawrence Bowman, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia said: “This closure has been a long time coming but the new footpath construction is underway and a safer pathway for pedestrians to cross this very busy stretch of railway will be open early next year.  

"This will significantly improve safety for everyone who needs to cross the railway at Gipsy Lane and for those working and travelling on it.”