Kent Freight Routings

[RVC2]

What's the reason behind changes to several freight routings over the last few weeks?
This involves traffic to and from north Kent locations such as Angerstein Wharf, Cliffe and Hoo Junction being diverted the long way round via Maidstone West, Paddock Wood, Tonbridge, Orpington, Shortlands Junction and the Catford Loop (although a few go via Beckenham Junction and Herne Hill)?
And are these short-term alterations?

 

[87015]

Bridge at Lewisham is deemed unsafe for freight traffic so can't go usual route. The Catford Loop is also weight restricted so it's all fairly shambolic.

 

[david737]

I was wondering when someone was going to notice this, On 9th October the bridge that carry's the Nunhead Lewisham line over the four tracks at St Johns was barred to all Locomotive hauled trains & certain types of on track machines due to the condition of the steel columns. Allegedly 60 or more of these need replacing when this is likely to take place goodness knows but Xmas & New Year has been mooted but it would require a complete shutdown of Lewisham which will be interesting with the Thameslink blockades all ready planned for the London Bridge area during that time.

 

[Castle Cary]

That is the 'temporary' bridge that was put in after the st Johns disaster 60 odd years ago. So it has lasted pretty well

 

[kentman]

It may not be related, but part of the fence has been removed and they are doing something access wise down from the ramp from Lewisham station.

Given the previous comments about the 'temporary bridge' there is so much concrete and steal work in it, it would have been a major job to demolish it. Hence it became permanent.