Network Rail slams ‘avoidable’ Orford Road railway bridge crash
The A50 Orford Road was shut at rush hour[1] following a heavy goods vehicle crashing into the railway bridge above Orford Road. Cheshire Police officers attended to close the road, between Birchwood Way and Padgate Lane, and manage traffic. Photos from the scene show a Northern train stopped on top of the bridge, with the force confirming that the driver of the lorry has been reported for failing to comply with a height restriction.
In a statement, Network Rail says needless delays and damage was caused. A spokesman said: “Rail passengers and road users faced needless delays on Thursday morning after a lorry hit a railway bridge on Orford Road, Warrington. “We immediately sent an engineer to inspect the bridge and track.
Fortunately, there was no structural damage, meaning the railway and road could re-open by lunchtime. “Bridge strikes like this cost taxpayers millions of pounds every year and can be completely avoided.
“We urge drivers to always know the height and size of their vehicles – including any loads they are carrying – and to carefully plan their routes so our infrastructure isn’t put at risk in this way.” A Cheshire Police spokesman previously said: “At 8.48am on Thursday, November 23, we received a call reporting that a HGV had collided with a railway bridge. “Officers attended the scene and closed the road, which has debris in it.
“No injuries have been reported, however the driver of the HGV has been reported for failing to comply with a height restriction.
“Network Rail has been contacted, with engineers due on the scene to carry out an inspection of the railway bridge.”
References
- ^ The A50 Orford Road was shut at rush hour (www.warringtonguardian.co.uk)