A dangerous level crossing under construction near Rouen
North of Rouen (Seine-Maritime) a diversion was set up on February 9, 2022 for several weeks in order to secure one of the most planned level crossings in Normandy.
Crossing a railway line always requires vigilance, a train needing 800 to 1000 meters to stop.
In Seine-Maritime, between Barentin and Pavilly, on a main road giving access to the Austreberthe valley, a level crossing is the second most marked in Normandy with the daily passage of nearly 7,000 vehicles and more of 90 trains. A railway-road crossing located in bends and which is particularly dangerous.
François Tierce, mayor of Pavilly, reports 20 accidents in 10 years at this level crossing.
In order to secure this dangerous level crossing, the SNCF, with the department of Seine-Maritime, will carry out major works. Without the possibility of creating an underpass or a bridge, the SNCF Réseau experts opted for the construction of an escape route.
The SNCF, which carries out accident prevention operations at level crossings, recalls that a flashing red light (called R24 in the highway code) requires absolute and imperative stopping for all types of vehicles. However, many drivers turn red and go through a level crossing when the barriers come down…
But, if despite everything, a road user due to a lack of vigilance finds himself in a risky situation when a train is announced, thanks to the new escape route, he will be able to find a way out of this “loophole”. .
In a press release, SNCF Réseau explains that what will be integrated into Pavilly will be the first work of this type in Normandy: “This development called “a loophole” must allow a vehicle that would be on the track when a train is announced, to be able to free even if vehicles are in front of it by breaking the barrier if necessary.”
“It will impose a total ban on parking or stopping there and special signage will be installed there. This security installation can only be used as a last resort to save lives and it must always be free of any obstacle. The municipal police and the gendarmerie are warned of the vigilance to be implemented for this new development.
The construction work on the Pavilly level crossing clearance lane will last several weeks and will be carried out in two phases: from February 9 to March 5, then from March 28 to April 23, 2022.
At a cost of more than 750,000 euros, this work will consist, specifies SNCF Réseau, of widening the level crossing in the Barentin direction towards Pavilly. This extra width will feature zebra-type ground markings and prohibition signs with the wording “emergency clearance zone”.
A gutter border will separate the departmental road from the development and the finishing works (including fencing) will be carried out. All the installations (red lights, emergency telephone, barriers) will be moved almost 3 meters towards Rouen and the stage will be replaced and lengthened. The left light from Pavilly towards Barentin will be moved and put on a high mast.
SNCF Réseau will also take advantage of these two periods of road closure to carry out a major maintenance operation at the level crossing, called sanitation. Rails, sleepers and ballast will be replaced.
During this work, traffic will be cut between the Gardy roundabout and Pavilly and a diversion will be put in place. We can go either to the south by Barentin, or to the north by the departmental D22.