Public Moorgate Halt crossing event set for Thursday

A public consultation event on the future proposal for Moorgate Halt Level Crossing will take place this Thursday (November 28, 1-7pm) at Saddleworth Museum.

The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is transforming journeys across the North, better connecting towns and cities through more frequent, faster trains, running on a cleaner, greener and more reliable railway.

In a note to local residents, the TRU communications team say: "Many of you will have joined us in September as we consulted local residents in your area on a series of TRU works from Stalybridge to Diggle.

“That element of consultation has now closed, but information is still available to view at: www.networkrail.co.uk/stalybridgetodiggle

“TRU will enable an increased number of faster passenger, and freight services over Moorgate Halt Level Crossing, and will also see the installation of Overline Line Equipment (OLE) to power these cleaner, faster and quieter services.

“However, this increase in the number and speed of trains will increase the risk to users of Moorgate Halt Level Crossing.

“Therefore, our proposal is to close the level crossing and to improve an existing public footpath as an alternative to cross the railway in this locality.

"We are now looking to gather opinions on our proposal to close Moorgate Halt Level Crossing, and upgrade an alternate public right of way.”

Moorgate Halt Level Crossing is located to the north of Greenfield Station on the edge of Uppermill village.

The proposed alternative route for crossing the railway would be at most 440 metres, and should take no more than six minutes to walk for many users.

The group say the public consultation event on our proposal is “an opportunity to talk through the proposal with our team and feedback your thoughts".

There will also be an online consultation, hosted at: www.thetrupgrade.co.uk/moorgatehalt, which will launch on Thursday and close on Friday, December 20.

This website will not be live before the 28th.

Local Greg Barratt said: ”I have used that crossing for years.

"Never has anyone had any problems crossing.

"Can't understand why we would now allow it to be condemned.

“The other path that has needed attention for years exits onto Oldham Road which at rush hour is horrible to cross.

"Whereas the level crossing brings you out at the pelican crossing in Uppermill.”

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