Train users and drivers are warned to expect up to three weeks of disruption after a lorry taking waste from Rutland's recycling centres crashed into the structure on Saturday, causing extensive damage.
Buses are expected to replace trains from Tuesday 8th November between Leicester and Peterborough, meaning there will be no Cross Country services through Stamford, Oakham or Melton stations for up to three weeks. The A6121 is also expected to remain closed whilst repairs take place, with local traffic being diverted through North Luffenham. Trains between Birmingham and Leicester will run as planned and an hourly service between Peterborough and Cambridge will continue with some services running through to Stansted Airport.
A lorry carrying a heavy load struck the bridge on Saturday 5th November shortly before 8am. Fosters Bridge – which crosses the A6121 Stamford Road – was so badly damaged that a significant part needs to be replaced before trains can run safely again. Engineers have already started work on the major repairs, which could take up to three weeks. Freight services carrying essential goods will be diverted via London wherever possible to keep people’s Christmas gifts on track.
Gary Walsh, East Midlands Route Director for Network Rail said: “We’re very sorry for the ongoing impact this incident is having on passengers. Our teams are doing all they can to carry out these extensive repairs quickly and get trains moving safely again, but unfortunately it is likely to take around three weeks.
“During that time, passengers check before they travel and leave extra time for their journey. We’re working with our partners across the industry to divert freight trains wherever possible and keep vital goods moving around the country.”
John Robson, Regional Director for East Midlands and East Anglia for CrossCountry said:“CrossCountry would like to apologise to our customers for the disruption caused by this incident. Where possible, we will run a rail replacement bus service, but we urge customers to check our website before travelling for the most up to date information about their journey.”
Leicestershire Police said: “Shortly before 7.40am on Saturday (5 November) police received a call after a lorry struck a bridge on the A6121, close to North Luffenham. Officers attended the scene and road closures were put in place while emergency services attended.
“The driver of the vehicle was taken to hospital.”
Between 1 April 2020 and 31 March 2021 there were 1,624 bridge strikes reported across the network. Each incident costs the UK taxpayer around £13,000. Network Rail has been running the ‘Wise Up, Size Up’ campaign since 2018 to urge drivers to know the height of their vehicle and choose an appropriate route before setting off.
Visit crosscountrytrains.co.uk for the latest, and listen to Rutland & Stamford Sound for regular daily travel updates.
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