Two upgraded level crossings have been handed over to the Dean Forest Railway in Lydney.
 
One of the level crossings is located where the Dean Forest Railway crosses the busy A48 Lydney bypass and the other is on Harbour Road.
 
The crossings are where the trains of the heritage railway cross the road between the town centre and Lydney Junction station.
 
The crossings are over 20-years-old and were in need of an upgrade to modernize them.
 
This will mean both the railway and road users will benefit from the latest technology to make sure the crossings continue to be reliable, safe, and convenient for all.
 
The county council has provided over £900,000 in funding for the modernization of the council-owned crossings which are operated and maintained on the authority's behalf by the Dean Forest Railway.
 
The work has now been completed, with the hand over from the contractor Schweizer Electronic taking place along with training for railway staff.
 
Councillor Nigel Moor, cabinet member responsible for public transport said, "I'm delighted that we've been able to fund this work and I'm grateful to the Dean Forest Railway for managing the project and continuing to operate and maintain the crossings."
 
Local county councillor Alan Preest said, "I'm really pleased that this work has been completed so the crossings can continue to serve the railway and road users for many more years to come. The Dean Forest Railway, along with its link with the main railway line at Lydney, is a vital element in the tourism economy of the Forest of Dean."
 
Duncan Rowe, general manager of the Dean Forest Railway said, "This has been a real team effort. The involvement of both Gloucestershire County Council and Schweizer Electronic has been vital for the successful completion of this project which will provide many operational benefits for the railway and road users alike. I'd particularly like to thank our volunteers, without their passion and enthusiasm this work and the continued operation of the railway would not be possible."
 
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