The footbridge over the railway lines at Wareham is currently only accessible via steps, which means vulnerable residents - such as parents with buggies and pedestrians with limited mobility - must use the level crossing. To ensure safety, a crossing attendant is present between 6:00 a.m. and midnight during core rail passenger times.
In March 2025, Dorset Council and Network Rail agreed that the existing arrangements, including manually operated gates to maintain ground-level pedestrian access, will remain in place for the long term. This decision provides reassurance and addresses previous concerns about the potential closure of the crossing. Wareham Rail Crossing pedestrian access agreement reached - Dorset Council
Dorset Council funds the annual £120,000 cost of staffing the crossing, which is provided by STM Security Ltd, and has committed to maintaining this arrangement. Network Rail has also proposed a continuous rolling agreement with Dorset Council, removing the previously anticipated expiry date of 2038.
Background Timeline
1973 – Wareham Bypass constructed; road crossing over the railway line stopped up.
1988 – Formal lease agreement established between Dorset County Council and Network Rail for 25 years, with an option for a further 25-year extension, allowing pedestrian access via the level crossing.
2009 – Following safety requirements from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), electronic gates installed, and safety attendants employed.
2013 – Network Rail granted planning permission to build ramps to the footbridge and remove the level crossing; ramps not constructed.
2013 – Lease extended for 25 years between Dorset County Council and Network Rail.
2015 – Second planning application by Network Rail to install ramps and remove the level crossing refused.
2017 – Dorset County Council leads a new scheme to design and build ramped access to the footbridge, supported by Network Rail.
2018 – Planning application to install ramps and remove the level crossing refused.
2025 – Decision confirmed to maintain ground-level pedestrian access for the long term.