Network Rail has announced it will install a new telescopic level crossing barrier in north east England.

The existing boom gate crossing on West Dyke Road in Redcar suffers from frequent reliability issues during strong winds.

This means the barrier must be closed for periods of time until the wind speed drops.

Over the last 12 months, Network Rail engineers have carried out repair and upgrade work to the barrier in an attempt to improve its reliability including a new battery, a new motor, new wheels and reducing the size of the slats across on the barrier face.

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Work to install a new telescopic barrier will now begin in October.

Gary Welsh, Area Director of Network Rail, said: "We are all too aware of the problems suffered at West Dyke Road in high winds and decided that the level of disruption caused needed addressing ahead of the original programme.

"The new barrier has been designed with this specific problem in mind and is unlike any existing crossing on the network, and we are confident that its installation with help improve the flow of traffic and pedestrians in Redcar."

(LM/CD)