A railway bridge in Ely has been struck 80 times in five years, with frustrated readers saying they have seen it all before
CambridgeshireLive readers have once again responded to reports of another bridge strike, with many expressing a sense of déjà vu.
A railway bridge, infamously known as the “most bashed” in Britain, has been struck 80 times in the past five years. A Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted by CambridgeshireLive to Network Rail unveiled the frequency of collisions involving the railway bridge on Stuntney Road, Ely over a five-year period.
The bridge earned its dubious title of being the “most bashed” bridge in Britain last year. Our FOI request disclosed that the bridge had been hit 80 times between 2020 and 2025.
Out of these 80 incidents, a bridge strike resulted in an “operational impact” for rail services on 53 occasions. The highest number of bridge strikes occurred in 2020, when it was hit 19 times.
This was followed by 17 times in 2024, 16 times so far in 2025, 11 times in 2021 and 2022, and six times in 2023.
Some readers drew comparisons between different road users. Kington writes: “Every one of these crashes caused by phone-messing and careless driving has cost public money. The law needs to be changed so that courts can seize both the car and the assets of people who hold the rest of us back.”
Whynot2 replies: “It’s more than likely the van drivers, not car drivers, that don’t know the height of the van than messing around with their phones. Perhaps you should be a little less impatient on the roads or take a chill pill.”
Cyclebikealist says: “Yet another motorist not paying attention to the road.”
While over on our Facebook page, Frances Bonner comments: “Put a sensor 50 or so metres before both sides that brings a barrier down to stop the vehicles before they get there once it detects a problem.”
Jo Birt says: “There are plenty of warnings on the approach; if they take no heed, should they be in control of these large vehicles?”
Robert Boddington suggests: “Hanging height chains are cheaper.”
Jay Davies believes: “Some people just can’t drive.”
Kevin McNicholas questions: “Would it be beyond the wit of those in control of the bridge to put a barrier 50mm lower than the bridge about 100m 50m and 25m from the bridge on both sides. I’m no genius, but common sense would surely prevail.”
What do you think about how the bridge situation is being handled? Should they act faster or are they doing enough? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
