Ely railway bridge struck for second time in two weeks

The bridge strike near Ely railway station was reported to have taken place just before 10.30am today [Tuesday, March 14]. 

It was reported a van was damaged after being caught underneath the 2.7-metre-high structure. 

Tim Cutter was heading towards Ely when he saw the bridge strike take place. 

“There were two cars in front of me and they started turning around,” he said. 

Ely railway bridge has been hit for the second time in as many weeks. (Image: Supplied by Tim Cutter)

“I was at the traffic lights before you approach the bridge; I could see the sides [of the van] split and the top of the van came off.” 

Cambridgeshire Police were called to reports of a van crashing into the bridge on March 14.

"We were called at about 10.30am with reports a van had collided with a bridge on Station Road, Ely," said a police spokesperson.

"Emergency services attended, no injuries reported but the road closed while checks to the bridge are carried out."

Motorists have been advised to avoid the area.

One of the lines across the bridge also closed while further inspection took place.

A Network Rail spokesperson said a large van was stuck underneath the bridge.

A van was reported to have been trapped underneath the bridge near Ely railway station. (Image: Supplied by Tim Cutter)

"The Stuntney rail bridge has been struck again despite large warning signs and the availability of the Ely southern bypass to avoid the low bridge," said the spokesperson.

"Other lines remain open; there is minimal impact on train services though some minor delays may occur."

The Network Rail spokesperson also reminded motorists of its 'Wise Up, Size Up' campaign.

They added: "[This] reminds lorry drivers and haulage operators to take better care by knowing the height of their vehicles and choosing suitable routes before they head out."

The bridge was last reported to have been hit on February 28 when an Iveco van was trapped.