Highways England is investigating why disused pipework fell from a bridge crossing the M25 on Sunday afternoon, causing damage to six vehicles and the closure of both carriageways for several hours.
Join other savvy professionals just like you at CIHT. We are committed to fulfilling your professional development needs throughout your career
The incident happened between junctions 2 and 1A (the A282) in Kent near the Dartford Crossing at lunchtime. A photograph posted online appears to show one vehicle with a smashed windscreen and damage to its roof parked nearby. Highways England said there were no injuries.
Kent Fire & Rescue Service said it was called to reports of debris coming from a structure on the A282 at around 12.18pm. Two fire engines attended and the road was temporarily closed by Kent Police while crews helped to make the scene safe.
At 1.43pm the fire service posted on Twitter that its firefighters were working hard with other emergency services ‘in scorching heat’ to deal with the incident. ‘We know it’s hot in your cars, but please stay patient while we make things safe’, a message read.
Some motorists reported sitting in traffic for over three hours with no water.
Highways England’s south east operations manager Sam Day said traffic officers had been assisting people stuck in traffic and those who had broken down in the closure. “With temperatures remaining high, we urge people to ensure they have enough water and liquids in their vehicles to ensure they stay hydrated during their journeys,” said Sam.
Bridge Owners’ Forum technical secretary Richard Fish FCIHT told TP Weekly News that this sort of event emphasises the importance of bridge inspections. “Not just the structure itself,” he added, “but also any apparatus attached to it and, most importantly, the fixings between the two”.
Richard added it is also important to determine who owns what, who manages and maintains the fixings and that, if defects are found, action is taken.
Another bridges specialist said the incident “highlights the need for an independent body to investigate failures of bridge infrastructure” and pointed out that the UK Bridges Board recognised the risks posed by critical fixings in its 2019 publication ‘Safety Critical Fixings’.
One of those affected on Sunday was London based architect Mandip Kalsi, who posted on Twitter that pipes hanging under the bridge ‘dismounted and fell on my car while driving under the bridge. Crazy and scary at the same time’.
The Health & Safety Executive said it is making enquiries into the incident.
(Photograph: Google Maps)
#StepForward
Propose a colleague who successfully becomes a CIHT member and you’ll be automatically be entered into our free monthly prize draw where one lucky winner will receive a £50 John Lewis Gift Card.
Join other savvy professionals just like you at CIHT. We are committed to fulfilling your professional development needs throughout your career
{{item.AuthorName}} {{item.AuthorName}} says on {{item.DateFormattedString}}: