Network Rail has announced that a bridge in Cambridgeshire has reopened to trains ahead of schedule after it was hit by a lorry earlier this week.
The incident caused extensive damage to the bridge on Coldhams Lane in Cambridge, and it was expected that the railway would be closed until Wednesday.
However, engineers worked overnight to repair the bridge and reopen it for passengers on Tuesday 8th September.
Road users will be glad to hear that the road has also reopened.
Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “Our engineers have worked quickly through the night to reopen the line as soon as possible, but this whole incident could have been avoided. Drivers need to know the height of their vehicle. Bridge strikes cost taxpayers millions of pounds and cause delays to tens of thousands of rail passengers every year.”
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Responses
I would say fine the drivers who cause damage to the bridge if they fail spot the hazardous height restriction signs that heavy vehicles can’t pass underneath the low bridges and have to take a detour to avoid the low bridge.
If heavy vehicles can’t fit underneath the railway bridge then it’s the drivers fault for not spotting the height restrictions. Same with bus drivers driving double decker buses and coach drivers.
It would be interesting to know if NR seek compensation from the vehicle owners. Reflects poorly on the standard of haulage drivers generally, such strikes are all too common.