Harper Lane Bridge over the Midland Main Line

[John Webb]

Harper Lane bridge, carrying that road over the cutting of the MML about a mile north of Radlett Station, is closed to road traffic for emergency works.
Herts Highways doesn't say what the nature of the works are; does anyone on the Forum know, please?

 

[westcoaster]

A big section of the retaining wall is missing (maybe someone hit it). Luckily not over the running lines. North end wall on the up slow cess side, currently being rebuilt.

 

[John Webb]

A big section of the retaining wall is missing (maybe someone hit it). Luckily not over the running lines.

Thanks for the prompt reply - I did wonder if that was the problem. It is used by large lorries to and from the industrial estates in Colney Street and Frogmore on Watling Street (old A5) and traffic to and from the Tarmac terminal in Harper Lane. A few years back they installed traffic lights controlling the junction with Watling Street and making the bridge alternate one-way working which was a considerable improvement and gave more room to the larger vehicles.

 

[Bald Rick]

It was a collision last week (maybe even the week before), which knocked a chunk of the wall off which was very close to the Up Slow. In fact a few bits on it. Caused rail disruption one morning.

 

[MP33]

I use this bridge, when I visit a location near How Wood. I leave the M25 a junction early, to avoid turning right onto a very busy roundabout.

 

[John Webb]

Thanks for the further information. It's a bit surprising on reflection that when they converted the bridge to alternate one-way working (and providing a footpath for pedestrians as well) they didn't add a crash-barrier along the wall still exposed to vehicles.

 

[Bald Rick]

Thanks for the further information. It's a bit surprising on reflection that when they converted the bridge to alternate one-way working (and providing a footpath for pedestrians as well) they didn't add a crash-barrier along the wall still exposed to vehicles.

Not sure a crash barrier / arnco would make much difference in that situstion - it would have to be attached to the wall. Arguably it would make things worse, as a narrower carriageway would mean the barrier would be more likely to be struck and then the wall would go like dominos.