Network Rail reveals list of Britain's most-bashed railway bridges

Stonea Road near Manea in Cambridgeshire. Credit: Network Rail

The top 10 most-hit railway bridges in Britain have been revealed, with a new "winner" of the dubious honour in 2021-22.

Each of the bridges to make the list had been hit at least 10 times in the year to the end of March, said Network Rail.

Stonea Road bridge near Manea in Cambridgeshire suffered the most frequent damage, being hit 33 times in just 12 months.

This was followed by Lower Down’s Road bridge in Wimbledon, south-west London (18 strikes) and Harlaxton Road bridge in Grantham, Lincolnshire (17 strikes).

The most-hit bridge in last year's list, Coddenham Road in Needham Market in Suffolk, was ranked 10th this year, having been hit 10 times - compared to 19 times last year.

This bridge in Needham Market was the top-ranked in last year's list. Credit: Network Rail

There were a total of 1,833 bridge strikes across Britain’s rail network in 2021/22, according to Network Rail.

They cost the government-owned company nearly £12m in compensation pay-outs for delays.

The number of strikes was up 13% compared with the previous year, coinciding with an increase in traffic.

Network Rail is relaunching its “Wise Up, Size Up” campaign urging lorry drivers to check the height of their vehicles ahead of Black Friday and Christmas, when parcel deliveries soar.

This bridge on Harlaxton Road in Grantham was the third most-hit railway bridge. Credit: Network Rail/PA

The company’s chairman Sir Peter Hendy said: “Bridge bashers cause serious safety issues on the transport network for both road and rail users.

“Every incident can delay tens of thousands of passengers while we inspect the bridge and repair any damage – creating a huge cost from public funds.

“During this very busy time of year for deliveries, we urge operators and drivers to properly plan their routes, know the height of their vehicles and be vigilant for road signs showing the height of bridges.

“We will report those who don’t to the traffic commissioners, and they risk losing their licenses and livelihoods.

“Network Rail always looks to recover the entire repair and delay costs from the driver and the operator.”

The railway bridges struck the most times in 2021/22:

  • 1. Stonea Road, near Manea, Cambridgeshire (33 strikes)

  • 2. Lower Down’s Road in Wimbledon, south-west London (18 strikes)

  • 3. Harlaxton Road in Grantham, Lincolnshire (17 strikes)

  • 4. Abbey Farm in Thetford, Norfolk (15 strikes)

  • 5. Stuntney Road in Ely, Cambridgeshire (12 strikes)

  • 6. Harefield Road bridge in West Ruislip, north-west London (12 strikes)

  • 7. Station Road in Berkswell, West Midlands (12 strikes)

  • 8. Station Road in Langley, Berkshire (12 strikes)

  • 9. St John’s Street in Lichfield, Staffordshire (11 strikes)

  • 10. Coddenham Road in Needham Market, Suffolk (10 strikes)

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