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Balsall Common railway bridge one of the most 'bashed' in country

Local News by James Smith 8th Dec 2025  
An Argos van after it smashed into the Station Road bridge in 2023 (image by Finlay Howarth / Car_fan_finn_)
An Argos van after it smashed into the Station Road bridge in 2023 (image by Finlay Howarth / Car_fan_finn_)
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A Balsall Common bridge has once again been named one of the most "bashed" in the country by Network Rail.

The railway bridge over Station Road - at Berkswell Station - was crashed into 14 times between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025.

The collisions make it the sixth most-struck structure across the country during that period of time.

Watling Street in Hinckley topped the list with 22 strikes, following by Harlaxton Road in Grantham (18).

The Station Road crossing was hit 12 times in the 2021/22 survey - at that point the seventh most across the UK.

Network Rail has urged lorry drivers to 'wise up, size up' as they try and reduce the number of crashes into railway bridges.

Figures released today (December 8) show 1,666 bridges were hit last year.

Network Rail said this cost the rail industry £12 million in delays and cancellations.

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Martin Frobisher, Network Rail's group safety and engineering director, said: "Every bridge strike endangers lives, disrupts rail services, and delays tens of thousands of passengers while we inspect and repair the damage to the bridges.

"Each incident also costs millions of pounds that could instead be spent improving the network.

"With the busiest delivery period of the year underway, we're reminding all drivers and operators to Wise up, Size Up – ensure they know their vehicle heights before they set off, plan their routes carefully, and watch for low bridge signs.

"A few moments of vigilance can prevent serious delays and keep everyone moving safely this festive season."

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