Essex Rail Bridge Struck by HGV Once More Despite Height Warnings

Emergency services were called after a lorry struck a low railway bridge in Newport, Essex, in the early hours of Friday morning — the latest in a series of similar incidents at the location.

Fire crews attended the bridge on Cambridge Road at around 1am on April 10, where they discovered a heavy goods vehicle had collided with the structure before overturning onto its side. The impact once again raised concerns about repeated strikes at the site.

The bridge carries a clearly marked height restriction of 4.3 metres, yet it continues to be hit by over-height vehicles. The road was immediately closed as crews worked to secure the scene and assess any potential damage to the structure.

According to Newport Fire Station, the closure was expected to remain in place overnight while engineers ensured the bridge was safe. The road has since reopened following those checks.

This is not an isolated incident. The same bridge was struck by another HGV just six weeks ago, highlighting ongoing issues with drivers misjudging vehicle height or failing to follow warning signage.

Fire crews have again urged drivers to be aware of their vehicle’s dimensions and to check route suitability before travelling, particularly when navigating roads with low bridges.

Image: Essex County Fire and Rescue Service