Bridge collisions cause over 100 days of train delays in a year, according to Wales Online. The report reveals that Network Rail has logged 1,532 instances of bridge strikes across Britain in the year leading up to March. The financial toll of these incidents is estimated to be around £20 million, encompassing delays, cancellations, and repair costs. The resulting service disruptions from bridge strikes have exceeded a cumulative delay of over 100 days.
One of the most frequently hit railway bridges in Britain is identified as Stuntney Road in Ely, Cambridgeshire, with a staggering 18 incidents recorded in the span of 2023/24. Following closely are Stonea Road in Stonea, Cambridgeshire, and Lower Downs Road in Wimbledon, each experiencing 17 collisions during the same period. Despite a slight decrease in bridge strikes over the past two years – from 1,864 in 2021/22 to 1,588 in 2022/23 – Network Rail emphasises the ongoing safety risks presented by such incidents.
Martin Frobisher, Network Rail’s group safety and engineering director, highlighted the serious implications of bridge collisions for both road and rail users. Frobisher stressed that aside from safety concerns, these incidents lead to extensive delays for passengers, diverting funds that could be otherwise allocated to network enhancements. Encouragingly, collaborative efforts with transportation partners have contributed to a decline in bridge strikes. Yet, with an incident occurring approximately every six hours, there remains substantial room for improvement.
In response to the persisting issue, Network Rail urges operators and drivers to meticulously plan their routes, familiarise themselves with vehicle dimensions, and heed signage indicating bridge heights. Moreover, the organisation affirms its commitment to holding accountable those responsible for bridge strikes, pursuing reimbursement for repair and delay expenses from drivers and operators. By advocating for enhanced vigilance and adherence to safety protocols, Network Rail aims to mitigate the prevalence of these disruptive collisions in the future.
The continuous monitoring and maintenance of railway infrastructure are paramount in ensuring the safety and efficiency of train services nationwide. As Network Rail works in tandem with stakeholders to address the challenges posed by bridge strikes, the concerted effort to minimise disruptions and enhance network reliability remains at the forefront of railway management. Through ongoing collaboration and vigilant precautions, the railway industry strives to uphold operational standards and mitigate the impacts of preventable incidents on passenger services.