A broken level crossing on one of the busiest roads in Carnoustie has been causing traffic chaos for lorries bringing in supplies for the Women’s British Open.
Network Rail engineers confirmed the faulty barrier at Station Road will not be operational until later in the week, after becoming stuck in a lowered position prior to early-morning rush hour on Tuesday.
Deliveries have already begun rolling into the town ahead of the biggest event in the women’s golfing calendar, and a number of anxious lorry drivers were seen queuing at the junction until around lunchtime.
The fault was reported to Network Rail and Angus Council by Councillor Helen Oswald after a member of the public contacted her to express concern.
Lorries attempting to access the Carnoustie Golf Hotel were understood to be stacked up off the A92 until the access issue was temporarily resolved by engineers who removed one half of the level crossing gate.
Four police officers were stationed on site to direct motorists along Ireland Street away from the area, which was badly snarled up for much of the day. The crossing was cordoned off, with HGVs periodically being guided through to get supplies to businesses running along the town’s coastline.
All major loads will be allowed to cross by the on-site staff when required, and Network Rail will liaise with Tayside Police and Angus Council to ensure golf-related traffic uses other roads, with some access being taken in through Barry.
Councillor Oswald said operations manager Ross Moran confirmed the crossing will now be manned at all times until it is repaired, which is likely to take three or four days.Traffic”It first happened at around 8am and I believe traffic was starting to back up quite badly,” she said. “I reported it on to the council department at the highest level and also to Network Rail to make sure it is dealt with quickly.
“It needs to be operational in time for the start of the Women’s Open. Supply lorries taking deliveries will need to access the road.”
A spokesman for Network Rail confirmed the crossing should be fixed by the end of the week.
“In the meantime the crossing will remain closed to private vehicles,” he added, “and we will be liaising with Tayside Police to make arrangements for goods vehicles to gain access at agreed times, in order to get deliveries to businesses.
“Private vehicles will need to use other routes. Unfortunately there is no alternative as it certainly would not be safe to use the crossing without the barriers being in a good condition.”
A police spokesman said, “Tayside Police wishes to advise that all vehicles, except heavy articulated lorries, are unable to use the level crossing at the railway line in Carnoustie’s Station Road. This is due to a fault with the barriers that is currently being repaired, and there will be no access until further notice.
“Officials are monitoring the crossing and they should be approached for assistance by any drivers of heavy vehicles who do require to cross the line.”
The Ricoh British Women’s Open is due to take place at Carnoustie Links, starting on July 28 and running until the Sunday.