Double-decker gets wedged under Chelmsford railway bridge

A rail operator has urged bus drivers to “carefully plan their routes” after a double decker got wedged under a railway bridge.

The bus got stuck under the bridge on Duke Street in Chelmsford on Wednesday, blocking a bus gate – a section of road only buses can use – from 17:30 BST until 18:45 BST.

Network Rail said trains started running again after the bus was freed, but urged drivers to be be careful as similar incidents cost “millions of pounds” every year.

The bridge is on the Great Eastern Main Line between London and Norwich. Bus operator First Bus said it was investigating the incident.

A Network Rail spokesperson said trains to and from Chelmsford were delayed.

They added: “Our teams were quickly on site to inspect the bridge.

“Once the bus was safely removed and no structural damage was confirmed, normal train services resumed by 18:56.

“Bridge strikes like this cost taxpayers millions of pounds each year and are entirely preventable.

“We urge drivers to always consider the height and size of their vehicles, including any loads they are carrying, and to carefully plan their routes to avoid incidents that put our infrastructure at risk.”

In a statement, First Bus said it “assisted emergency crews and recovery teams following an incident involving one of our service 372 buses hitting the Duke Street railway bridge in Chelmsford as it was travelling towards Colchester”.

“We have not been made aware of any injuries, and we will be undertaking a full investigation,” it added.

A spokesperson for Essex Highways said: “Every road user has the responsibility of being aware of their surroundings and driving safely, and this bridge clearly displays a height limit of 12ft 6in (3.8m).

“Drivers must be careful when passing under structures and make sure their vehicle’s fit before making the attempt.”

A spokesperson for Essex Police said no passengers were on the bus and there were no reported injuries.

The force said the road under the bridge had been closed to pedestrians for a “short time”.