With new track and sleepers installed on the Dartmoor Line back in May, Network Rail are now looking to renew six level crossings on the line.

To help keep the local community informed, Network rail is holding an information event on Wednesday 4th August at Bow Village Hall from 3.30pm until 7pm.

For anyone unable to attend the drop-in event, Network Rail will be holding a virtual event online.

While the work is being carried out on the level crossings, a miniature stop light system installed at each level crossing site.

Work is expected to take place between 8.30am and 4.30pm throughout August.

The sites of the six level crossings being upgraded are:

• Penstone footpath crossing (EX17 5JS)
• Colebrooke Two Moors Way Footpath crossing (by Waterford Plantation)
• Landsend User Worked crossing (near to Landsend Lane)
• Common Moor 1 User Worked Crossing (EX17 6JA)
• Buttisland User Worked Crossing (Butterlands Park Farm access road)
• Corscombe User Worked Crossing (EX20 1SD by Corscombe Lane)

Planning permission has now been granted for the new GSM-R masts (the railway’s mobile communications system) and work is expected to start on these at some point during August.

Valentina Oncescu, Network Rail Project Manager, said: “We are pleased with the progress our teams are continuing to make and upgrading the level crossings is the next stage of work as we look to reopen the Dartmoor Line by the end of this year.

“Understandably, people will have been used to using the level crossings to pass over the Dartmoor Line with no trains running. However, as we move towards the return of regular passenger services it is imperative we upgrade these level crossings to ensure people can safely cross the railway.

“We look forward to seeing as many people as possible at our open event to discuss these improvements as well as the other aspects of work we are continuing to progress with.”