Network Rail is to make alterations to the warning light arrangements at the open crossing near Corpach station on the Fort William-Mallaig stretch of the West Highland Line.

However, the measures fall short of what was demanded last year by pensioner Hugh Muir and Highland councillor Bill Clark.

Mr Muir, of Burnbrae, Corpach, had urged Network Rail to install barriers after he was involved in a "near-miss" with a train while he crossed the line in his car last August.

In an LN article after the incident, Mr Muir said he was adamant that warning lights were not visible to motorists approaching the crossing on the minor road which runs parallel to the rail line.

He added: "I feel incredibly lucky to have escaped, but I'm so concerned about that crossing.

"I feel it's a fatality waiting to happen."

The former pulp and paper mill worker claimed train staff had told of "frequent" incidents on the crossing which allows access from Corpach village to the Caledonian Canal basin area.

Mr Muir's case was taken up by Cllr Clark who secured a meeting between local councillors and Network Rail representatives at Lochaber House.

Network Rail maintained the crossing operated "as per design" and said the lights met signalling and maintenance specifications. A spokesman revealed that installing barriers at the crossing would cost up to £1 million.

Hugh Muir (right) and Councillor Bill Clark are delighted at the warning lights upgrade at Corpach - but are concerned about no plans for a barrier on the crossing. Iain Ferguson, The Write Image

Earlier this year, Mr Muir raised his concerns with the rail watchdog, the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR).

And in response, the ORR's David Gould has confirmed works will be carried out to improve the lights.

Mr Gould stated: "Network Rail have informed me that they plan to make alterations to their light arrangements at Corpach level crossing, and that as part of those alterations they have asked their project team to provide an additional road traffic light signal, known as a 'wigwag', for the side road.

"They anticipate that the installation will be completed in July 2010.

"ORR will monitor progress with the crossing alterations."

Mr Muir said: "I'm very pleased. It's been a long hard fight to get something done."

Cllr Clark said: "I'm delighted that some action is going to be taken after many months of pressure.

"While it's not a barrier, which I feel would be the most safe option, it's a start."

s.taylor@lochaber-news.co.uk

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