Media centre

Friday 8 Jul 2005

CHOCOLATE BRIDGE GETS ITS JUST DESSERTS

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

Following five ‘bashes’ in the past 12 months, Network Rail has taken action to stop Chocolate Poodle Bridge on the A360 from sustaining any further serious damage to its structure. Working closely with the local Highway’s Authority at Wiltshire County Council, the road was initially narrowed from two lanes to one and a set of traffic lights installed to controlled traffic flows.  This forces approaching vehicles to slow down, therefore reducing the risk of damage should a high sided vehicle still collide with the bridge.  Collision protection beams have also been installed, protecting the bridge from future vehicle strikes. Robbie Burns, Network Rail’s Western Route Director, said: “This system has already been put the test after a skip lorry hit the bridge following the installation of one of the beams last week.  The beam took the full force of the impact with only a face plate being bent and superficial scratches to the underside. “Had the beam not been in place, the main deck would have taken the impact with unknown consequences.” Bridge strikes have severe consequences not only on rail passengers, but also on road users.  Once a bridge has been hit, Network Rail has to close the bridge to rail traffic and sometimes vehicle traffic so that a thorough examination can be undertaken for structural damage.  The bridge can only be re-opened when the inspectors think it is safe to do so.