Network Rail Trials New Technology to Minimize Train Delays Caused by Bridge Strikes

Network Rail is trialing a new technology aimed at reducing train delays caused by bridge strikes, with a focus on the East Coast Main Line in the UK. The initiative targets the frequent issue of high-sided vehicles, including heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), which account for 90% of such incidents. The £50,000 ($61,102) trial will deploy cameras and sensors to assess bridge conditions immediately after a strike, potentially reducing response times from hours to seconds.

The Harlaxton Road bridge in Grantham, a hotspot for vehicle strikes, has been selected for the trial. Over the past nine months, this Victorian-era bridge has been struck 11 times, with three incidents occurring in a single week in November 2023. These strikes have cost taxpayers over £600,000 due to damage and associated train delays. The new remote monitoring equipment will provide real-time alerts and data to engineers, enabling quicker safety assessments and minimizing disruptions.

Michael Clegg, Network Rail route engineer, emphasized the importance of the technology in reducing the £20 million annual cost of bridge strikes to the British rail industry. He noted that while not all incidents can be prevented, the technology will significantly cut inspection times, allowing trains to resume operations sooner and improving railway reliability. If successful, the system could be expanded to other bridges in Grantham and beyond.

In addition to this trial, Network Rail has invested £1.3 billion ($1.67 billion) in safety and rail infrastructure in Scotland. This includes a £730 million agreement with AmcoGiffen and Story for buildings and civil works, a £150 million contract with Taziker Industrial for minor civil works, and a £420 million deal with QTS for geotechnical and major civil projects.