Bridge repair could take three weeks meaning buses replace Melton train services for longer

Engineers who are working to repair a damaged railway bridge at Ketton say the initial repair is likely to now take take around three weeks.

The bridge crosses the A6121 Stamford Road at Ketton and carries the railway between  Leicester and Peterborough.  It was struck by a lorry carrying a heavy load around 7.45 on Saturday 5 November.

The bridge strike which is at the centre of the problem. Photo: Nigel Spencer/L&R 4x4 response

Critical parts of the bridge structure have been so badly damaged that a significant part of it needs to be replaced.

Network Rail are working with CrossCountry trains to develop plans for passengers who use Stanstead to Birmingham New Street services which are likely to remain disrupted.  These details will be confirmed as soon as possible but passengers are advised to check before they travel.

A rail replacement service will operate for all services through Melton for up to three weeks. Photo: NEMM file photo

Stamford Road also remains closed while emergency work to remove the damaged structure is carried out.

Gary Walsh, route director for Network Rail said, “I am really sorry that passengers and the community are likely to be affected by this accident for some time.  The impact has cause significant damage and our engineers have to replace two structural beams as well as then reinstating the track, signals and other railway equipment on top of the bridge. 

Repairs have started on the bridge. Photo: Network Rail East Midlands

We’re doing everything we can to get trains moving again safely and thank everyone for their patience while we carry out this work.”

The vehicle was operating on behalf of Rutland County Council who say they will be reviewing the incident with its waste contractor, Biffa. 

Bridge strikes are a costly problem for the railway and can cause delays to train services and on the road network while we repair any damage.

Between April 1 2020 and March 31 2021 there were 1,624 bridge strikes reported across the network.

Most of the vehicles that hit railway bridges are Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) and buses, at a cost of around £13,000 per strike –costing the UK taxpayer around £23m in a year.