Bridge strike causes disruption to West Coast main line passengers in Staffordshire: Damage to the Worston Lane bridge north of Stafford

Thursday 14 Feb 2019

Bridge strike causes disruption to West Coast main line passengers in Staffordshire

Region & Route:
North West & Central

A bridge over the busy West Coast main line in Staffordshire has been badly damaged after being hit by a vehicle.

Network Rail’s engineers are on site at Worston Lane, north of Stafford, making the bridge and surrounding area safe ahead of repairs taking place.

The vehicle, which hit the bridge at around 10am today (14 February), appears to have failed to stop at the scene.

A spokesman for Network Rail said: “This bridge strike, which was entirely avoidable, is causing disruption to train services on the West Coast main line.

“We are carefully assessing all options so we can carry out repairs as quickly and safely as possible.

“This is the latest example of a driver hitting a railway bridge and causing unnecessary disruption to passengers.

“Those affected by this incident should plan and check their journeys at www.nationalrail.co.uk.”

The track closest to the damaged brickwork has been closed and all trains through the area are running at reduced speeds.

Engineers hope to carry out repairs overnight. The road will remain closed while the work takes place.

Contact information

Passengers / community members
Network Rail national helpline
03457 11 41 41

Latest travel advice
Please visit National Rail Enquiries

Journalists
Network Rail press office - North West & Central Region
07740 782954
NWCmediarelations@networkrail.co.uk

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