A delivery lorry met its match at a notorious blackspot bridge near Broughton shopping park in Flintshire, becoming the latest in a series of vehicles to collide with the low structure. Among the unfortunate predecessors of the DPD delivery driver are two ambulance drivers, several motorhome drivers, caravanners, and even a lorry carrying frozen chickens. Last year, a Tesco delivery driver also found themselves stuck under the bridge, which leads to the retail park and the A55.
The incident occurred around 3 pm on Wednesday, prompting a wave of online banter with comments like “can’t park there” and “Next stop Specsavers”. Despite ample signage indicating the bridge’s height of 7ft 9in on Broughton Hall Road, multiple vehicles continue to misjudge the clearance. The bridge has gained a reputation, with one social media user quipping, “That bridge has more hits than the Beatles,” while another marvelled at its endurance, saying, “I have no idea how that bridge is even still standing.”
Residents and locals suggest implementing more noticeable deterrents, such as erecting a steel arch with chains suspended at the 7ft 9in height on the approach to the bridge. They argue that drastic measures are necessary to prevent further incidents. Although warning signs are in place, some believe that additional physical barriers are needed to prevent drivers from attempting to pass under the bridge.
Despite efforts to warn drivers of the low clearance, vehicles continue to get stuck under the bridge, causing inconvenience and disruptions. Suggestions for more visible deterrents highlight the frustration and concern within the community. With each new incident, calls for improved safety measures grow louder. It remains to be seen if authorities will take action to prevent future collisions at this notorious blackspot bridge.