The crash scene at Llanbrynmair shortly after the fatal accident in 1999

Drivers are being diverted over a nearby bridge instead of across the crossing at Llanbrynmair, near Machynlleth.

Another two in Powys will shut as well, under plans announced by Network Rail.

Old Chapel, near Llanbrynmair, and Cilgwrgan, near Newtown, will close in the next 12 months.

The total project is costing almost �3.4m, half of which is funded by the Welsh assembly and the remainder by Network Rail.

Peter Leppard, Network Rail's acting western route director, said: "Over the years the use of these crossings has increased to the point where safety has become an issue.

The use of these crossings has increased to the point where safety has become an issue Peter Leppard, Network Rail

"We are currently manning the crossings, but this is not a satisfactory long-term solution."

Network Rail, the Welsh Assembly Government and Powys County Council, have worked on the scheme to close the three crossings.

At Cilgwrgan, vehicles will be diverted over a bridge which runs over the railway line, but at Old Chapel a new one will be built.

A major review of the safety of level crossings in mid Wales was carried out by the predecessor to Network Rail, Railtrack, following the death of Kathleen Yettman, 44, from Ohio, at Llanbrynmair on 29 October 1999.

An inquest returned a verdict of accidental death after the hire car she was travelling in with her husband, Christopher, was struck by a train on the then unmanned level crossing. Mr Yettman sustained rib injuries in the accident.

Their car was catapulted 50 yards along the track by the impact of the 60mph collision with the Lincoln to Aberystwyth passenger train. Three of the 70 passengers on the service received minor injuries.

The Cambrian Line through Powys and Ceredigion links Wales with England

Following the accident local residents said they had complained regularly about the warning lights and gates on the crossing were often left open.

In 2002, a warden was introduced at the crossing to improve safety.

Councillor Gwilym Evans, Powys County Council's board member with responsibility for transportation planning, said the authority had consulted local people.

"We have taken the lead consulting with local communities and designing the new roads and bridges so that the level crossings can be closed," he said.

"This represents a major improvement to road safety for the benefit of the local communities."