Not always after bridges are hit do trains have to stop using them. As the result of a 'complete idiot' failing to see that his skip lorry will NOT go under, this bridge just to the east of Loughton Station was hit...not for the first time I might add...and quite badly damaged. A BLACK and YELLOW horizontal bar, that had been removed when this picture was taken, took the full force of the impact so leaving the bridge span itself relatively unscathed but the brickwork...as can be seen in the picture...was cracked and the supporting earthwork weakened. This incident took place in early June 2006 and was not put right for several weeks, the resulting road closure causing considerable inconvenience as it is the only direct route for some into the town centre. The culprit apparently backed out his lorry and to my knowledge has not been apprehended! Meanwhile this Central Line city bound train is no doubt making a slower than usual approach to the nearby station.
Photo from James & Martin's Picture Collection Copyright 'Jampics' m.hawkes7@ntlworld.com
British and Foreign Railway Pictures Jampics Fotopic.