Extensive damage to a railway bridge in Ketton, Rutland meant that train services between Leicester and Peterborough have been disrupted for the last fortnight.

A lorry carrying a heavy load struck Foster's bridge on Saturday the 5th of November shortly before 8am. Foster's Bridge crosses the A6121 Stamford Road – was so badly damaged that a significant part needed to be replaced before trains could be permitted to run safely again.

This reopening is now expected to be Wednesday the 23rd of November 2022.

The team Tweeted: "What a difference a week makes! The new replacement deck for Foster's bridge at Ketton which was hit by a lorry is ready to be installed. It'll be craned in this Saturday night and the railway should be fully open from Wednesday (23rd) - weather permitting!"

What a difference a week makes! 👇 the new replacement deck for Fosters bridge at Ketton which was hit by a lorry is ready to be installedIt'll be craned in this Saturday night and the railway should be fully open from Wednesday (23rd) - weather permitting! pic.twitter.com/EncIe4BO6S

— Network Rail East Midlands (@NetworkRailEM) November 17, 2022

This will be a relief to many commuters, who have had to get replacement busses and suffered delayed journeys due to the disruption.

The replacement deck (image courtesy of Network Rail)

Local man, Chris, said: "Having been getting the replacement bus service from Oakham station to Leicester after work, I can confirm that so far, on Tuesday 8th November, the bus at 17:32 didn't turn up until 18:05. Furthermore, the bus on Wednesday 9th November at 17:32 didn't turn up at all, this meant that there was no transport from Oakham station until Leicester until 19:00. This service is a farce and please do not rely on it to get you to rugby, football, Christmas shows or shopping."

The damages also meant that drivers have had long delays at Oakham level crossing. This is expected to remain the case on Saturday the 19th of November 2022. Find out more here.