The West Coast mainline suffered delays of more than 5 hours this week after a lorry became wedged on a bridge near Galgate in Lancashire.

The collision was reported to Network Rail at 08:30 am on Thursday morning, and the decision was made to close the railway line because of debris which had fallen onto the tracks, the railway line was soon reopened with a 5mph speed limit in place for passing trains

The lorry was moved around 1:45 pm and after assessing the damage, Network Rail removed the speed limit on the line at 3 pm.

The bridge on Burrow Road will be closed for a number of days while the railway bridge is assessed further and plans drawn up for repair.

Every day on average 5 bridge strikes takes place across the country, costing £23 million every year.

Network Rail has launched a campaign to help HGV drivers. Called ‘Lorries can’t limbo’, it includes online training and guidance to help plan routes and avoid bridge strikes.

More details about the campaign can be found on the Network Rail website at www.networkrail.co.uk/wise-up-size-up

What did the officials say?

Darren Miller, Network Rail infrastructure maintenance delivery manager, said:

“We always urge all drivers to know the length and height of their vehicles when it comes to either crossing over or driving under any of our bridges.

“Bridge strikes like this are entirely avoidable. When they do happen it potentially puts passengers at risk and causes huge disruption to journeys.

“We’re doing everything we can to organise a full repair of the bridge and reopen Burrow Road as quickly as possible.”

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