Frogmire Lane level crossing, Knaresborough, may close

Network Rail are in the process of applying for the permanent closure of a Knaresborough level crossing after serious safety concerns raised earlier this year.

The rail operator closed the Frogmire Lane crossing in Knaresborough in February under a 21-day emergency order due to safety concerns, including a recent near miss involving a child.

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Other risks highlighted include poor visibility due to the curved railway alignment and seasonal vegetation, making it difficult to see oncoming trains.

This order was extended to a six month closure, which Network Rail are now seeking to extend indefinitely. 

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “The current temporary closure at Frogmire Lane level crossing runs until September 2026. We’re in the process of applying for permanent closure.”

The company added that they had already begun consulting the public about the possibility of closing the crossing permanently and they planned to apply for closure, but a formal application had not submitted yet.

In Feburary, Dave Smith, route level crossing manager for Network Rail, said: “Our view is that Frogmire Lane level crossing presents an unacceptable level of risk, and our application for an emergency closure on safety grounds has been accepted by the local authority.

“We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused to crossing users.

“Decisions like this are not taken lightly, but our priority is always to keep the public safe, and the combination of poor sight lines, high levels of misuse, and the number of vulnerable users means urgent action was needed.”

Other factors at play include a high number of vulnerable users and long-standing issues with misuse and vandalism.