Castle Cary - Yeovil Pen Mill bridge problem

[D6130]

I've just seen a report (on a 'Reach' news website) that the Castle Cary to Yeovil Pen Mill line was closed all day yesterday - with rail replacement buses in operation - due to emergency bridge repairs. Does anyone on here know the nature and location of the problem? Was it a road vehicle bridge bash?

 

[Mcr Warrior]

Seems to be quite a few bridges on the 11 or so track miles between Castle Cary and Yeovil Pen Mill, some relatively minor. Wasn't clear which bridge it was exactly on the GWR tweet, but it's probably not essential detail for travelling rail passengers.

https://twitter.com/GWRHelp/status/1618998940590051329

Extract of GWR tweet (3:46 pm · 27 Jan 2023)...

Due to urgent repairs to a bridge between Castle Cary and Yeovil Pen Mill, the line is closed.

 

[tcm1106]

Wing wall collapse at Castle Cary (just outside of the station, on the branch).

Now rectified and back open.

 

[Oxfordblues]

If you let vegetation grow in walls the plants gradually expand between the bricks, leading to eventual collapse.

 

[Taunton]

That's most likely water penetration through the mortar, possibly from the back side, aided by all the ivy that can be seen has been allowed to grow, doubtless long term, out of the mortar cracks.

 

[D6130]

Wing wall collapse at Castle Cary (just outside of the station, on the branch).

Thanks for that. I wonder how many more Network rail structures will eventually collapse due to the unchecked growth of vegetation in the brick/stonework?

 

[randyrippley]

there's more than just vegetation in effect there.
Looks like the wall ballooned out - I'd suspect bad drainage with a weight of water pushing it out

 

[zwk500]

there's more than just vegetation in effect there.
Looks like the wall ballooned out - I'd suspect bad drainage with a weight of water pushing it out

This looks very likely, especially when you look at the other holes drilled in the bricks (they look like later interventions).
The hot summer and wet winter is making itself felt! I fear we may see more infrastructure failures through this year.