Lorry gets stuck under railway bridge – trains suspended

The lorry got stuck under the Saxham railway bridge this morning at 7.35am and the container has ripped open. Picture: NSRAPT (Image: Archant)

The vehicle became lodged under the Saxham railway bridge between Risby and Little Saxham, near Bury St Edmunds, at approximately 7.35am today.

The bridge, in Newmarket Road, is being evaluated by Network Rail engineers who will decide if the structure is safe enough for trains to run over.

A spokesman for Greater Anglia said: "At the moment we do not know if it is safe for trains to run, that includes both passenger trains and freight trains.

"It is a serious problem, the container of the lorry has been ripped open and unfortunately the route is blocked for now."

Network Rail engineers are working on freeing the vehicle from the birdge. Picture: NETWORK RAIL (Image: Archant)

Several trains on the Cambridge line have been cancelled, and a bus replacement service is running between Bury St Edmunds, Peterborough and Cambridge.

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail route director, said: "There is no excuse to not know the height of your vehicle before starting your journey.

"As well as putting lives in danger on both road and rail and causing lengthy delays for passengers and road users, drivers who chance it at bridges are at risk of losing their licenses and leaving their employers with a hefty bill for repairs and train delay costs, along with a strong threat to their own operators licence."

The Network Rail engineers are working on freeing the vehicle so their inspection and repairs work can be carried out.

A lorry is lodged under Saxham railway bridge and trains between Cambridge and Bury St Edmunds are suspended. Picture: RICKY TARPLEY (Image: Archant)

Police have confirmed that there were no injuries and that recovery has been called for the lorry.

Disruption is now expected to last until the end of the day.

Passengers have been advised to check their journey before leaving.