Bridge strikes disrupt Birmingham rail services

A vehicle strike on a railway bridge in Erdington marks the sixth such incident this year on the same crossing.

Bridge strikes disrupt Cross City Line again

A road vehicle hit a railway bridge on Summer Road in Erdington, interrupting services on the Cross City Line between Birmingham New Street and Lichfield Trent Valley. National Rail said all lines were closed while engineers checked the structure. Trains are revised and delays are expected until 2 pm, with road traffic diverted away from the area.

This is the sixth time the same bridge has been struck in 2025. In April a lorry toppled on its side after hitting the crossing. The bridge carries high visibility warning signs and height measurements to warn approaching vehicles. After a strike, engineers inspect the bridge to ensure it is safe for trains before services resume.

Recurring bridge hits reveal a fragile link between road use and rail safety. Even with warning signs, a single incident can cancel or reroute dozens of trains and leave daily commuters stuck. The pattern raises questions about the effectiveness of signage and the balance between traffic flow and rail reliability.

If the trend continues, local authorities may face calls for stronger measures such as redesigned approaches near the crossing, stricter enforcement for tall vehicles, or additional funding for bridge protection. Without decisive action, disruptions will keep reverberating through the timetable and public trust.

Highlights

More updates will follow as engineers assess the crossing