NETWORK Rail has thanked residents and commuters for their patience after the completion of improvement work at the Onibury level crossing north of Ludlow.

It reopened to vehicles earlier than planned on Sunday (July 9).

“The successful improvements to Onibury level crossing as part of our railway upgrade plan will mean less disruption for commuters and passengers in the future,” said Jeff Davies, director of route safety and asset management for Network Rail. “We would like to thank the local community for their patience while this essential transformation was carried out.”

Councillor Tony Mantle, chairman of Onibury Parish Council, said he is pleased that the work has been completed.

The crossing is located on the busy A49, where thousands of vehicles put pressure on the surface every day causing pot-holes to form.

It was upgraded following the deterioration of the road surface on the crossing, which has caused several short notice emergency road closures for safety reasons, resulting in disruption for road and rail users.

The new level crossing panels are made of black rubber instead of concrete, which makes the surface more durable and smoother for road users.