Partial bridge collapse disrupts Midland Main Line

THE partial failure of the parapet of a two-arch brick bridge over the Midland Main Line closed the line north of Leicester on August 1 for just over 24 hours. Passengers were bussed between Leicester and Loughborough.

Grove Lane bridge at Barrow-upon-Soar, Leicestershire, provides access to the station. The exact age of the bridge is unknown, but it is thought to be more than 120 years old.

Residents who live in terraced cottages overlooking the site said the collapse of the bridge wall, pavement and sub-soil sounded like an earthquake.

Debris blocked the Up and Down fast lines, and all services were suspended as inspections and an investigation began.

Read more in September’s issue of The RM