Norfolk MPs have branded 'unacceptable' the decision to close a bridge over the Norwich to Thetford rail line for five years after it was damaged in an accident.

Eastern Daily Press: The rail bridge at Eccles Heath, between Attleborough and Snetterton, was damaged by a road accident in December 2017. Picture: Simon ParkinThe rail bridge at Eccles Heath, between Attleborough and Snetterton, was damaged by a road accident in December 2017. Picture: Simon Parkin (Image: Archant)

The railway bridge, at Eccles Heath, between Attleborough and Snetterton, was left unsafe after being struck by a road vehicle in December 2017.

Network Rail found there was significant damage to the structure after the accident, which sent debris on the rail line below disrupting services, and has closed it to road traffic.

Motorists now face a diversion taking them over the alternative Bryant's Bridge for the next five years after Network Rail confirmed work to repair the damaged bridge, near Eccles Road, was unlikely to take place until 2022.

Eastern Daily Press: Elizabeth Truss MP who has urged a rethink of the five year delays on repairs to the damage rail bridge at Eccles Heath. Picture: Ian BurtElizabeth Truss MP who has urged a rethink of the five year delays on repairs to the damage rail bridge at Eccles Heath. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant)

Norfolk MPs Liz Truss and George Freeman and county councillor Steve Askew have urged Network Rail to rethink its timetable and raised safety concerns over the diversion route.

South West Norfolk MP Liz Truss said: 'It is not acceptable for a damaged bridge to be closed for over five years before any work takes place – but this is what Network Rail is proposing by stating repairs will commence in 2022.

'The county council has already said that the diversion route is not suitable and I therefore would question this ongoing closure.'

Eastern Daily Press: Motorists are facing a diversion for the next five years after the closure of the Eccles Heath rail bridge, between Attleborough and Snetterton. Picture: Simon ParkinMotorists are facing a diversion for the next five years after the closure of the Eccles Heath rail bridge, between Attleborough and Snetterton. Picture: Simon Parkin (Image: Archant)

George Freeman, Mid-Norfolk MP, said: 'It's completely unacceptable for Network Rail to decide not to repair a bridge and require local road users to use a diversion for five years, which the county council as highways authority has said is unsafe.'

County councillor Steve Askew added: 'The diversion route is very hazardous due to a blind junction on Bryant's Bridge which in turn is encountering numerous scrapes. This is a very busy road which services the Snetterton Heath Employment Area and access to the A11.'

A Network Rail spokesperson said: 'Due to the damage that was caused, we are proposing a full rebuild of the bridge to comply with modern safety standards.

Eastern Daily Press: Safety concerns have been raised about the blind junction on Bryant’s Bridge over which traffic has been diverted due to the closure of the damage rail bridge at Eccles Heath. Picture: Simon ParkinSafety concerns have been raised about the blind junction on Bryant’s Bridge over which traffic has been diverted due to the closure of the damage rail bridge at Eccles Heath. Picture: Simon Parkin (Image: Archant)

'Replacing a structure of this scale over an operational railway requires a lot of planning and preparation. We have programmed an initial start date for the works to begin in 2022, however, we are continuing to hold discussions with local stakeholders and the local authority on whether this work could be brought forward.'