Whitehead Level Crossing

Translink is committed to delivering high quality sustainable public transport that is vital for the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of Northern Ireland.

We help to keep people connected to employment, education, retail, social and leisure opportunities, as well as provide opportunities for visitors.

Public transport will play a key role in Northern Ireland’s recovery from the impact of Covid-19 while also progressing modal shift away from the private car, helping to tackle climate change and air pollution

Project Summary

The proposal is for the improvement of the pedestrian level crossing and access ramp situated at the north end of Whitehead Station. The existing crossing provides pedestrian access between Chester Avenue and Victoria Avenue.

The crossing has a high pedestrian usage. It is a key route between the town and nearby housing/seafront and is also frequently used by passengers at the Station.

The Project Involves the Below Works

Preparatory Works
A 9-day closure of the access ramp for upgrades
A weekend line closure to decommission the existing level crossing and complete associated signalling work.

Project Benefits

Maintain high safety standards
Maintain operation performance
Enhancing the network to attract more people to choose ‘greener’ travel
Protecting Northern Ireland’s rail infrastructure for future generations

Indicative Project Timeline

We have carefully considered the best timing to deliver this important project in order to minimise the overall impact for passengers and local residents. The below indicative schedule has been agreed but please note this has the potential to change.

Preparatory Works: November 2021 – March 2022
Access Ramp and Level Crossing closure: Saturday 12th March – Monday 21st March 2022
Level Crossing Works: Saturday 12th of March - Monday 14th March 2022

Impact of Works

During the works, we will be working hard with our contractors to minimise any noise or impact on the local residents living in the surrounding area.

Preparatory Works - The works will require night working with minimal noise disruption and will not require a closure of the railway line.
Access Ramp Works - during the 9-day closure of the access ramp and level crossing, pedestrians will be directed to use the pedestrian crossing adjacent to the station (near Beach Road) or via Kings Road to cross the rail lines. A wheelchair accessible taxi will be present during the closure to taxi people with limited mobility from one side of the crossing to the other.
- Taxi details below:
  - Venue: on standby at Victoria Avenue
  - Time: 6:00am - 11:45pm
  - Registered Taxi Providers:
  - Ralph Stirling, 0774 554 8907 (from 6:00am - 4:00pm)
  - Colin McAuley, 0774 554 8907 (from 4:00pm - 11:45pm)
Level Crossing Works - the works will require a weekend line closure. A bus substation service will be in place to accommodate users of the Larne line and pedestrian access will be maintained where possible during the weekend line closure.

Public Consultation

We will keep the local community updated as this project progresses, letting you know more about our construction methods, our timescales and exactly when we will be working.

We are grateful for your support for our efforts to deliver a better rail service for everyone, helping make public transport first choice for travel, for today and for tomorrow.