An update from Network Rail

Dear Neighbour,

The Glade Overbridge Weight Restriction

We write to you today in respect to the weight restriction of The Glade Bridge, which provides a connection over the railway in your local area. Following recent enquiries, we understand that historically there has been a lack of clarity from Network Rail on what the weight restriction is for road vehicles when using the railway bridge.

We extend our apologies for any confusion that may have arisen over the past few months and years and appreciate your patience during our communications.

Upon thorough examination of our archive records, the weight restriction at LEJ 13/28 The Glade Overbridge is confirmed as 17.5T.

Archive data indicates that the structure was initially designed to support loads of 5T, later reinforced and officially designated for 17.5T circa 1998. In light of this, Network Rail will proceed with necessary measures to install an additional 17.5T weight restriction sign at the northern end of the bridge.

It has come to our attention that a prior assessment had suggested the structure could accommodate loads of up to 40T, contributing to the confusion surrounding its capacity. However, an internal review of this assessment has indicated that the previously communicated 40T result is no longer considered valid. The understood capacity is 17.5T aligning with the strengthening design, the current signed capacity, and Network Rail’s liability.

We have no immediate concerns regarding the structural integrity of the bridge from historic overloading that has occurred above the 17.5T. Nevertheless, it remains imperative from both a liability and design standpoint to maintain the existing 17.5T restriction, thereby ensuring the structure’s proper use and preventing continuous overloading, which could potentially compromise its integrity.

We are prepared to consider exceptions on a case-by-case basis for vehicles exceeding 17.5T that require passage over the bridge. However, such requests must be submitted for approval in advance, allowing us to review the proposals, discuss any restrictions for these vehicles, and approve or reject the proposed
movement.

All inquiries and requests for approvals must be submitted to our Community Relations Team. To do so please telephone our 24hr helpline on 03457 11 41 41 quoting “The Glade Overbridge Weight Restriction” and we will strive to process any requests involving vehicles exceeding 17.5T in a timely manner.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Kind regards