Cuxton Level Crossing

Two Class 466 Networkers in Southeastern livery pass the small station of Cuxton before heading to Halling and Strood respectively. This small gated crossing is at the end of Station Road and is operated by the signalman, who controls the section of track between Strood and Snodland. Due to my mild OCD, I hate the fact that the red warning circle is not in the centre of the gates, as a piece on both gates seems to have been added on, although that's how the gates were made. The crossing's age can be seen evidently by the dirtiness of the gates, the grooves in the tarmac and the old and now defunct 10T axle weight regulatory signs. Due to the unusual narrowness of the crossing though, a quite faded box junction and 'Keep Clear' markings as well as a 'Give Way to oncoming vehicles on the railway crossing' sign are here also (just want to point out that it's level crossing, not railway crossing, that's what the Americans say). I'm not sure when the signalbox here will close as everything seems to be moving to Gillingham Signalling Control Centre at the moment, but it is clear that these gates might not survive another ten years or so. Cuxton is a small village with the A228 running right through it, and as can be seen is on the bank of the River Medway, which has given it a great reputation for boating. The spectacular Medway Viaducts carrying the M2 and HS1 can be seen from the station. I recommend that the A228 end of the viaduct is the best place to see Eurostars and Javelins.
Route: Medway Valley Line
County: Kent
Trains:
0:00 - 4:16
5:27 - 7:53

[@nickwellington1]

Since Easter, this box now fringes to the Gillingham CC rather than Ashford NK1 at Strood.
Lines to Aylesford are Track Circuit Block throughout.

[@natalielenton2949]

Nick Wellington Street West Perth and go to bed at night

[@SouthEastLevelCrossings]

Nice video of the gates! Just so you know (in case you didn't already), this crossing is currently being upgraded to one with two full barriers, alarms and two pedestrian lights. The upgrade should be completed by the 18th of November, so as of now, with the upgrade process undergoing, there are no more crossings on this line that have the mechanical gates unfortunately. However, the signal box will retain control of this crossing from my understanding (like with East Farleigh and Wateringbury), which is something to retain the old-feel to this line, which is sadly working its way out.

[@Nathan_A_RF]

Thanks for letting me know, I've been out of touch ever since I moved to Southampton. Just seen a video of the crossing and it looks very good, NR even kept one of the antique road signs

[@stevbrkr]

I did some principles testing in this signal box, Easter 2001. Happy days.

[@Nathan_A_RF]

It's a shame they'll remove it soon

[@Neddyfram]

Liking the now disused 'axel weight' to the side.

[@nickwellington1]

Not quite Nathan. Snodland was recontrolled to Aylesford panel about two years ago. Cuxton has no CCTV's at all.
There is no piece added on the gates; what has misled you is that there is an extra vertical to support the droprod or "poker" as the "bottle box" is not in the gutter as usual. That looks like Martin working the gates.....Plans to move to Gillingham CC are on hold I think, but whether gates continue is another matter. Keep up the good work....

[@Nathan_A_RF]

+Nick Wellington I thought it might have been moved to Aylesford, as I presume the section at New Hythe did before the crossing there closed also? Those gates do look unusual though, and they are small

[@TheosTrainsWalesOfficial]

Cuxton is now an MCB

[@janineharding2005]

Nice vid