The municipality of Midden-Drenthe wants to construct a temporary road along the track at Hooghalen as soon as possible. The cause is a fatal train accident on an unguarded level crossing in May.
In addition to the municipality, the NS and ProRail also believe that it is “time for action”. According to ProRail, Wednesday became one in the nick of time accident occur on an unguarded level crossing near the crossing where the fatal accident took place in May.
The road must come along the east side of the track. Once that road is in place, landowners no longer need to use the unguarded level crossings and they can be closed.
Spicy conversation
This morning the parties entered into talks with one of the land owners. According to Mayor Damsma, that was a tough conversation. “But we are very happy that we have all come to a solution”, she says RTV Drenthe. “I also understand that the land is very important for farmers, especially now in the middle of harvest time. It does of course mean that we now need space for such an emergency road.”
Damsma says she understands the position of the farmers. “We do not just choose the side of the NS and ProRail, it is a joint focus. But as a municipality we are there for all residents.”
When the emergency road is being constructed, the mayor does not dare to say. “Preferably tomorrow, but I am not an engineer. So I can say very little about that, but of course as soon as possible.” A definitive road will be constructed at a later stage.
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