Changes

From re-opening, a hand signalman was required to be present during operations. To remove the need for this, a successful application was made to the Department of Transport in 1979 for Northwood to be made an 'open' crossing.<ref>SVR News 52</ref> Equipment for this was duly installed, and the crossing was commissioned on 5th July 1980.<Ref>SVR News 57</ref><ref>[http://www.svrsig.org.uk/svr/NX.htm Northwood Crossing on the SVR Signalling web site]</ref> The crossing has no gates or barriers, but is protected by flashing lights displayed to road traffic together with an audible warning (the only crossing on the SVR protected in this fashion). The warning lights are operated automatically by track circuits and , with treadlesas a back up, with a white light displayed to the train to indicate that they are operating correctly. The lights and track circuits work at 24v via a mains supply. In the event of the supply failing, the system automatically switches to battery power and illuminates a warning light in [[Bewdley North signal box]]. Modern-style warning boards consisting of a black cross on a white square background are positioned on the approach to the crossing in both directions.