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Monday 16 Nov 2020

Network Rail reveals Wales and Borders’ most bashed bridge ahead of annual peak in incidents

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

Network Rail Wales and Borders has revealed the region’s most struck railway bridge as part of a national campaign to tackle the dangerous and costly issue of bridge strikes

Trafle Mill underbridge in Gowerton, Swansea, has been hit by lorries, buses and other large vehicles 33 times over the past ten years, causing unnecessary delays for passengers and road users, as well as safety risks and associated costs.

Despite many of the railway bridges having plenty of warning signs and laser sensors to signal drivers of large vehicles, February 2019 to February 2020 saw over 100 bridge strikes across the region; costing over £400,000.

To help reduce the number of bridge strikes in Wales, Network Rail is planning to invest in more signage and equipment, to install additional safety measures to reduce damage and to continue working with transport operators to raise awareness and educate drivers.

Network Rail has also relaunched its’ ‘Wise Up, Size Up’ campaign this month ahead of the Black Friday and Christmas rush when more large vehicles are expected on the roads, often resulting in a spike in bridge strike incidents.

Drivers are being urged to check the height of their vehicles before starting their journey, with reminders installed at motorway service stations across the country on posters and petrol pumps through this period.  

Head of readiness and resilience for Network Rail Wales and Borders, Ray Charles, said: "

“We’ve made progress in recent years in reducing the number of bridge strikes through prevention measures and engagement with industry partners, but it’s still a major issue which carries huge safety implications and causes unnecessary delays for passengers and motorists.

“That’s why we’re urging drivers to know the height of their vehicles before setting off rather than leaving it to chance ahead of this busy period.

"We also plan to install additional specialist equipment including collision beams, advance warning signs, CCTV, chevrons and sensors to protect our bridges, as well as continuing to work with the wider industry to ensure drivers have the education and support they need to avoid striking bridges.”