Extensive damage to a railway bridge in Ketton, Rutland means that train services between Leicester and Peterborough are likely to be disrupted for the next three weeks.

Passengers are being urged to check their journey before setting off as buses replace all trains between Leicester and Peterborough.

Trains between Birmingham and Leicester will run as planned and an hourly service between Peterborough and Cambridge will continue with some services running through to Stansted Airport.

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

Between the 1st of April 2020 and the 31st of March 2021, 1,624 bridge strikes were reported across the network. Each incident costs the UK taxpayer around £13,000. Network Rail has been running the 'Wise Up, Size Up' campaign since 2018, urging drivers to know the height of their vehicle and choose an appropriate route before setting off.

Engineers have already started work on the major repairs required the rectify this incident, which are expected to last almost three weeks.

Freight services carrying essential goods will be diverted via London wherever possible to keep people's Christmas gifts on track.

This section of Stamford Road will also remain closed while the repairs take place.

Gary Walsh, East Midlands Route Director for Network Rail said: "We're very sorry for the ongoing impact this incident is having on passengers. Our teams are doing all they can to carry out these extensive repairs quickly and get trains moving safely again, but unfortunately it is likely to take around three weeks.

"During that time, passengers check before they travel and leave extra time for their journey. We're working with our partners across the industry to divert freight trains wherever possible and keep vital goods moving around the country."

John Robson, Regional Director for East Midlands and East Anglia for CrossCountry said: "CrossCountry would like to apologise to our customers for the disruption caused by this incident. Where possible, we will run a rail replacement bus service, but we urge customers to check our website before travelling for the most up to date information about their journey."

Leicestershire Police added: "Shortly before 7.40am on Saturday (5 November) police received a call after a lorry struck a bridge on the A6121, close to North Luffenham. Officers attended the scene and road closures were put in place while emergency services attended.

"The driver of the vehicle was taken to hospital. Enquiries remain ongoing."

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