Lorry strike collapses part of Marston Bridge, halting rail

A major railway bridge partially collapsed on Thursday afternoon after being struck by a lorry, causing severe disruption to one of the UK's busiest rail lines. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on June 11 at the Marston Junction Bridge over the Coventry Canal in Bedworth, located between Nuneaton and Rugby on the West Coast Main Line.

The collision caused significant damage to the structure, with a section of the bridge collapsing onto the road below. No injuries were reported. Network Rail confirmed the bridge was seriously damaged and all lines through the area were immediately blocked for safety inspections. Engineering teams were dispatched to the site to assess the extent of the damage.

The closure has caused widespread cancellations and delays across the network, particularly affecting services between London Euston and major cities including Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow, and North Wales. Operators Avanti West Coast, London Northwestern Railway, and some Lumo services are impacted. Many trains are being diverted via Birmingham, adding up to 60 minutes to journey times, while others are being cancelled outright. Rail replacement bus services have been established...