Bridge strike causes Spa Valley part closure

[Mikey C]

http://www.kentlive.news/spa-valley...-hits-bridge/story-30514280-detail/story.html

http://www.kentonline.co.uk/tunbridge-wells/news/trains-halted-after-bridge-strike-132231/

Trains are unable to run on part of the popular Spa Valley Railway line after a lorry hit a bridge.

Bosses say the over-height HGV has caused serious damage meaning services to Eridge and Groombridge from Tunbridge Wells can no longer operate.

The railway will remain shut at Broom Lane until repairs have been completed.

 

[Ploughman]

Do they have any claim on the culprit?

 

[AndrewE]

http://www.kentlive.news/spa-valley...-hits-bridge/story-30514280-detail/story.html

http://www.kentonline.co.uk/tunbridge-wells/news/trains-halted-after-bridge-strike-132231/

I would spend every penny needed without delay, both for temporary supports to keep the trains running and for a professional repair asap, and sue the lorry company / their insurers for all the costs (including managing the problem) and try for loss of income too.

Appeal for short-term funds to meet legal fees if needed, but better to get the local authority to make a loan to back the claim, as it can be refunded out of the damages.

Too many cowboy hauliers cause mayhem and costs for other people: if their premiums rise so much after this that it puts them out of business then so much the better.

 

[philthetube]

There is no information in these links saying if they know who the culprit is.

I would have thought that they would have no problems claiming on the lorries insurance if they know who to claim from and if the lorry was insured.

 

[Chrisgr31]

Rumour is they dont know what lorry hit it. Cant have been many down there at that time of night, or indeed anytime. You'd also think the lorry would have some big damage too!

 

[tsr]

Yes, suggestions are that the lorry would probably have major damage after such an impact. Apparently the amount of damage suggests a lot of force.

 

[a340egkk]

Trains are running this weekend (23rd/24th Sep) top and tailed with steam and diesel to an emergency timetable. More information about the bridge strike and a photograph of the damage can be seen at the above link.

Any support that people can give, either by travelling on the railway, or by donating to the railway would be greatly appreciated at this time.

 

[Mikey C]

You'd hope that CCTV/traffic cameras in the area would pick up the vehicle

 

[Cowley]

You'd hope that CCTV/traffic cameras in the area would pick up the vehicle

Or at least it leaving the scene with the roof peeled apart like an opened can of baked beans.

 

[fitz]

I read somewhere that haulage companies save money by equipping their vehicles with Sat-Navs designed for cars . This is rather than purchasing more expensive Sat-Navs for HGV's . So, is it any wonder there are so many bridge strikes ? I hope the Spa Valley identify the culprit any sue them for all the cocts involved .

 

[fitz]

Costs even ! What happened to spell check !

 

[Cowley]

Costs even ! What happened to spell check !

Well you weren't too far off if the reason for hitting the bridge was because of buying a cheap satnav.
Welcome to the forum by the way.

 

[341o2]

I read somewhere that haulage companies save money by equipping their vehicles with Sat-Navs designed for cars . This is rather than purchasing more expensive Sat-Navs for HGV's . So, is it any wonder there are so many bridge strikes ? I hope the Spa Valley identify the culprit any sue them for all the cocts involved .

I've heard something similar too, with calls for car satnavs to be made illegal on HGV's. Recently (as usual) there was a bridge strike at Ampress, Lymington, the result was quite spectacular with the trailer body resembling a streamlined job, although the rear overhang would surely make it illegal

 

[Cowley]

I've heard something similar too, with calls for car satnavs to be made illegal on HGV's. Recently (as usual) there was a bridge strike at Ampress, Lymington, the result was quite spectacular with the trailer body resembling a streamlined job, although the rear overhang would surely make it illegal

It does seem incredible when you consider the relative price of a modern day tractor unit.

 

[theageofthetra]

I've heard something similar too, with calls for car satnavs to be made illegal on HGV's. Recently (as usual) there was a bridge strike at Ampress, Lymington, the result was quite spectacular with the trailer body resembling a streamlined job, although the rear overhang would surely make it illegal

Even the Sat Nav I use on my phone when in a rental car has an RV (it's a US app & an RV there can be as big as a coach) option which advises of narrow or unsuitable roads/bridges

 

[Chrisgr31]

You'd hope that CCTV/traffic cameras in the area would pick up the vehicle

Its a rural area so I suspect CCTV in the road and area will be very limited. The bridge appears to have a bright yellow beam so hard to miss.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

The bridge appears to have a bright yellow beam so hard to miss.

Well... the trouble is the driver didn't miss it did he?

That's not uncommon either; just think of how many clearly marked bridges get struck across the country.

 

[Chrisgr31]

It is a very low bridge, although backing out wouldnt be easy https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.1...4!1sK7BtJ7-yAFBGPH0pXeO_Uw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

 

[a340egkk]

As of yesterday, the bridge is now reopen, with a TSR as before.

 

[Cowley]

As of yesterday, the bridge is now reopen, with a TSR as before.

That's good to hear. Well done guys.