Plans are progressing to build a replacement bridge at a Highland level crossing where two teenagers were killed in a crash a decade ago.
A half-barrier system was installed at Delny level crossing in September, 10 years after Alan Thain and Paul Oliver, both 17, were killed when a car in which they were passengers was driven into the Inverness to Wick train.
Car driver Richard Fleming, who was 18 at the time of the incident, was given a five-year jail sentence for causing death by dangerous driving.
Network Rail have always intimated that the barriers would be a temporary safety measure.
Representatives from the rail operator will attend a public meeting on February 15 to update the community on progress with the plans.
It is understood a planning application could be submitted as soon as March.
Tom Anderson, chairman of Kilmuir and Logie Easter Community Council, said: “I think this is good news.
“We are keen to maintain the crossing and if this is the way forward, then we are happy to support it. We will have to see the designs first.
“If it’s connected with a planned development of further housing, we are in favour of that too.”
Ross Estates – working together with Network Rail – wants to lodge plans for 100 new homes at a site near the crossing which would be unlocked by a replacement bridge development.
Local politicians and residents had been calling for action at the level crossing since the tragic crash on February 2, 2007.
Last year, Mr Thain’s father, Sandy, said that the 10-year delay to create the barriers was “ridiculous.”
Alan Thain died in hospital five days after the incident. His friend, Paul Oliver, died at the scene.
The meeting to update residents on plans for the new bridge replacement scheme will take place on Thursday, February 15 at the Mercat Centre in Milton at 7.30pm.
