Living close to a level crossing...

... means that many car journeys are delayed (frequently doubling the time for a short journey).

But, since Friday evening, the main road has effectively been closed for the duration of the Bank Holiday weekend, for major repairs to be carried out.

We expected major delays for getting out of the area. Curiously, we have enjoyed minimal disruption and, indeed, our car journeys have generally taken less time than when the crossing is operational. This is probably because through traffic has been diverted leaving local traffic to move much more freely. A shame the crossing will be working as normal from early tomorrow morning.

Whilst I was taking photos of the construction work, a car pulled up alongside me and the driver asked 'can I get through there?' We were feet from the sign you see here. The workmen answered much more sympathetically than I would have done (then they fell about laughing).