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Friday 3 Sep 2004

NEW RAIL BRIDGE IN NEASHAM ROAD STRUCK ON FIRST DAY

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A new, stronger rail bridge in Neasham Road was completed during the bank holiday weekend – and its new “collision beams” were tested in the first 24 hours when the bridge was hit by an articulated lorry. Neasham Road bridge is prone to being hit by road vehicles, which damages the structure and causes delays for both rail passengers and motorists while the bridge is made safe.  The new collision beams absorb the impact, protecting the structure and minimising the disruption caused by a bridge strike. Graham Botham, Route Director, Network Rail, said: “The fact that the collision beams were tested so soon shows how important this £760,000 project is to people travelling in Neasham Road.  We are pleased that the test showed the beams do their job well, but we’re disappointed that it happened so soon. “We urge drivers to take extra special care when driving near rail bridges, as even the smallest crash can cause widespread disruption. - more - Neasham - 2 “This project in Neasham Road, particularly the installation of the collision beams, highlights the efforts that Network Rail is making to tackle the problem of bridge strikes, and the Company’s efforts generally to renew Britain’s railway.” Network Rail, in partnership with the freight and construction plant transport industry, recently produced two guides for professional drivers and transport managers to raise awareness of the risk and consequences of bridge  provide helpful guidance to prevent them.  The guides include information on legal requirements, road signs, route planning, vehicle height checks, and load security.  A handy route and vehicle check pro-forma is also provided to enable route planning and bridge height checks to be carried out and recorded prior to the start of a journey. Key tips for drivers include: ·        Planning journeys in advance to avoid low bridges. ·        Measuring the height and width of the vehicle and displaying them in the cab before travelling, considering both the load and equipment. ·        Vehicle height should be checked again after unloading/reloading. ·        Checking that lifting arms and other pieces of equipment are secured before and during the journey. ·        Planning of an alternative route, avoiding low bridges in case of road closures, diversions or heavy traffic. The guides are available on the websites of : the Health and Safety Executive, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, the Association of Chief Constables, and can also be downloaded from the Network Rail website at www.networkrail.co.uk. - more - Neasham - 3 The bridge renewal was completed by Network Rail and its contractor May Gurney Ltd.