The most notorious level crossing in the country is to be replaced by a bridge, Network Rail announced today.
Ufton Nervet on the main Paddington line to the West of England is to be torn down and rebuilt after a series of derailments and deaths.
In November 2004 a First Great Western Paddington to Plymouth express collided at 100 mph with a car on the crossing; eight carriages were derailed and six people, including train driver Stan Martin died with 11 seriously injured.
Brian Drysdale, the car driver, also perished. An inquest concluded the chef from nearby Reading had committed suicide by parking his vehicle on the crossing.
In May this year David Montague, also from Reading, died when he was hit by a train while on his scooter.
National Rail (NR) does not own the land by the crossing and planning and highways consent will be required. It will now work closely with land owners, the local authority and residents.
Patrick Hallgate, NR route managing director, said: "We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make changes at Ufton Nervet as part of our plans to resignal and electrify the line.
"It is our view that we have a very strong case to close the crossing and replace it with a road bridge."
The crossing, between Theale and Aldermaston, only has half barriers making it easier for cars to get across when the barriers are down.
