RAIL passengers hoping to make a dash through the underpass beneath the signal box at Lydney railway station face missing their trains – because the underpass has been closed.

Network Rail, operators of the site, have erected steel barriers to the southern entrance to the underpass, with signs that read: "Highways Act 1980 – Network Rail hereby gives notice that this way is not dedicated to the public."

The low underpass has been used for decades by commuters and other rail users as a way of accessing the west-bound platform at the station when the road barriers are closed.

Now the closure could force late-comers to try and catch their trains by using the eastbound platform, and illegally crossing the tracks.

The underpass runs directly beneath the signal box, though the way through is currently further blocked by building materials and machinery.

The removal of the facility has been causing annoyance to passengers – who were given no notice of the closure.

Lydney Station, more accurately a "halt" in old fashioned railway terms, has no ticket office or toilets, and railway managers have been criticised in the past for the poor facilities.

The upgrade of the car park five years ago brought hopes that other features of the wind-swept station would be similarly improved. But despite vociferous protests by regular commuters, the main railway station for the Forest of Dean remains at two short platforms, two unheated waiting rooms, and a pair of electronic indicators that give details of forthcoming trains.

A spokesperson for Network Rail said: "The underpass is currently closed because of work being carried out on the level crossing as part of the Newport Area Signalling Renewal scheme. It is expected to remain closed for around four weeks. The underpass is not a public right of way and we would advise anyone travelling from Lydney station to allow for the fact that the crossing barriers may be down which could delay them reaching their train."