‘Controversial’ level crossing to close for six months

A historic level crossing is set to close for six months after reports of ‘near misses’ with pedestrians on the track. 

Moorgate Halt crossing in Saddleworth will shut from Saturday, August 20, as part of a huge infrastructure update on the route between Manchester, Leeds and York. 

The temporary closure is so new signals can be installed in the area as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU). Trains are expected to be held at the point of the crossing – which is located between Greenfield and Marsden station on the edge of Uppermill – meaning pedestrian access will be blocked. 

Kristian Willis, senior programme manager for TRU, said: “Safety is our number one priority, which is why we need to temporarily close the crossing – it cannot be used safely whilst trains wait for permission to pass.

“We encourage anyone who travels through this area to plan ahead and explore alternative routes during this six-month period and thank the community for their continued support and understanding.”

There are alternative routes available to the crossing, which leads to the popular Moorgate Quarry walking spot. The closure might be a taste of future plans for the controversial Moorgate Halt, with plans to ultimately close the ‘timebomb’ pedestrian route. 

TRU workers claim they have recorded several ‘near misses’ in the area, with trains forced to slow down or stop due to pedestrians on the track. And with trains due to reach top speeds of up to 80mph after the upgrade, a spokesperson claims it would ‘intolerably’ increase the risk of an accident at Moorgate Halt.

But plans to replace the crossing, which leads to the popular Moorgate Quarry walking spot, with a nearby underpass have previously been slammed by locals as ‘treacherous’ and ‘hard to maintain’ due to frequent flooding and debris. 

Local walking groups, the Oldham Ramblers and the Wednesday Walkers, strongly oppose the permanent closure and are demanding the crossing be retained or turned into a pedestrian bridge.

One regular walker commented: “I use this crossing fairly regularly to access Moorgate LNR and survey the Bluebell woods. That little area is a lovely calm and quiet place and full of wildlife and should continue to be so available without a round walk of over a mile from Uppermill.”

Preparations and consultations for other parts of the TRU project are also underway. Both Mossley and Greenfield stations could soon see major changes making both stations fully accessible and increasing the length of platforms to accommodate longer trains with more seats.