Network Rail is urging drivers to “Wise Up, Size Up” after a local railway bridge was struck multiple times this year – causing repeated disruption for passengers and road users, and racking up significant, avoidable costs for taxpayers.
The Abergavenny Road bridge, in Caersws, has been hit 12 times by road vehicles since January 2024, causing more than 1,100 minutes of train delays and costing more than £46,000 in taxpayer-funded repairs and disruption.
Each incident has forced the A470 to close temporarily, leading to significant delays for both rail passengers and road users.
Despite the presence of multiple warning signs on approaches to the bridge over the Cambrian railway line, over-height vehicles continue to collide with the bridge – creating serious safety risks, unnecessary costs and inconvenience.
While clear signage is already in place on the approach to the Abergavenny Road bridge, Network Rail has plans to install new signs, in the coming months. This forms part of a wider programme of investment in safety measures and driver education to reduce bridge strikes across the Wales.
The reminder comes as Network Rail Wales and Borders route reinforces its national “Wise Up, Size Up” campaign during Road Safety Week.
Drivers are being urged to know the height and width of their vehicles before starting their journey, with reminders now appearing at motorway service stations nationwide – including posters and pump-top messages at petrol stations.
Rebecca Watling, Head of Performance at Network Rail Wales and Borders said, “When a vehicle hits a bridge, it creates a serious safety risk and causes major disruption to the railway, with trains stopped for essential inspections and repairs – meaning people miss important appointments or connections”
“These incidents also carry a significant cost to the public purse – money that could be far better spent on upgrading and maintaining our rail network.
“I’d like to remind all drivers to check the height and width of their vehicles and follow the safety signage on the approach to railway bridges as incidents like this are entirely avoidable.”
Deb Justice, Cambrian Railway Partnership Community Rail Development Officer said, “This affects not only local journeys on our trains but rail travel across the whole of Wales and Borders. We’re asking drivers to take a moment to check the height and width of their vehicles before setting out.
“It’s a small action, but one that can make a huge difference to the safety and reliability of travel for both rail passengers and road users.”
