Driver crashed into Coundon level crossing sparking traffic chaos

[dutchman]

Part of Coundon Road has been closed as Network Rail have been forced to carry out emergency repairs



Network Rail has been forced to carry out emergency repairs to a level crossing in Coventry after a motorist crashed into it. The safety barriers to the level crossing on Coundon Road were left damaged following the incident last night (February 26).

It has led to the level crossing being closed as Network Rail engineers work to repair them. As a result, this caused major traffic issues along the main stretch of road during the school run and rush-hour this morning.

A Network Rail spokesperson apologised for the delays and said that they were looking to fix the damage 'as quickly as possible.' In a statement, the spokesperson explained: "In the early hours of this morning (Tuesday 27 February) a car nudged and damaged the barrier at Coundon Road level crossing in Coventry."

The statement continued: "Network Rail engineers are on site working to repair the barrier and reopen the level crossing as quickly as possible. Trains services are still in operation through this section of the track and a traffic diversion is in place for road users.

"We apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience while we make the necessary repairs." West Midlands Police confirmed that officers were called to the scene in the early hours of this morning to help divert traffic.

[dutchman]

Hunt for driver behind chaos on Coundon Road in Coventry after level crossing crash

A hunt has been launched for the driver who has caused chaos on main road in Coventry after a level crossing was left damaged. British Transport Police (BTP)are leading the investigation into the incident which left the barriers on the level crossing on Coundon Road needing emergency repairs.

The crossing has been closed for the majority of the day and this has caused issues with traffic, with congestion building around rush-hour this morning and rumbling on for hours after that. While Network Rail engineers are trying to fix the damage, BTP are trying to track down the motorist responsible.

A driver hit the barrier at just before 4am this morning (February 27) and then drove off. A BTP spokesperson said that officers are now looking through CCTV footage in the area to identify the motorist.

They are also asking for anyone who was in the area at the time in the early hours of this morning to come forward. "Officers received reports of a car damaging the barrier at a level crossing in Coventry at around 3.45am today (27 February)," the spokesperson said.

"Enquiries are ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 46 of 27/02/2024.”