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Ramsbottom Level Crossing

Locomotive No 76079 is seen here crossing the level crossing in the centre of Ramsbottom.
During 2007/8 the level crossing underwent major reconstruction with all the timber ducting between the tracks removed which was responsible for the poor ride quality when driving over the level crossing.
It was replaced by a steel duct encased in concrete and buried below the brand new tarmac road surface.
The Bridge Street crossing had been the source of complaints to Ramsbottom councillors and the ELR for many years as the gradually deteriorating condition of the line forced motorists to drive over the lines at a snail's pace to avoid damage to their vehicles.
Ramsbottom councillor Barry Theckston, who is on the ELR board of trustees and gave the refurbishment the go-ahead, described the work as "long overdue". He said: "The crossing is a lot more user-friendly for vehicles. It had been in a bad way for many years due to the timber ducting collapsing and had become more dangerous after being pounded by the increasing traffic."
Also in November 2008 traffic lights were installed because drivers would not stop when station staff were trying to close the level crossing gates to traffic which is a shame really because by installing the traffic signals it seems to have taken away some of the 'olde world nostalgia ' of this location all thanks to impatient car drivers.

SD7916 : Ramsbottom Level Crossing 2007

Locomotive No 76079 above was built at the Horwich works of the former Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway in February 1957
From September 1968 it remained in a scrap yard at Barry in South Wales until July 1974 when it was rescued for restoration
Today it can be seen running on the East Lancashire Railway between Heywood and Rawtenstall Link

For more information about locomotive No 76079 click Link

East Lancashire Railway Picture Gallery Link