Lorry Collapses Bridge Into Canal, Warrington

[Tim Lewis]

Not the busiest canal though;

 

http://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/10657412.Lorry_in_canal_after_bridge_collapses/

 

Tim

[Paul C]

I expect over the next few days/weeks the "unclear" bridge weight limit signs will be clarified; and the truck accurately weighed (for evidence) since there is a possibility its overweight. Will make interesting reading once those facts come about. Hopefully CRT will be able to make an insurance claim and not have to fund the repair themselves.

[Graham Davis]

Appears to be this one:

http://goo.gl/maps/BPw2O

Looks like it is at the very end of the canal.

Edited September 20, 2013 by Graham Davis

[notaminga]

You have to go quite a long way back up the road to find a sign saying the weight limit is 7.5.tons - but it is there!

[Nightwatch]

Doesn't/didn't look like it could take a 3 tonner never mind 7.5 ton or more.

[luctor et emergo]

it's a tipper lorry, it may have been there legit, as most weight limits have an 'except for access' exemption.

[AndrewIC]

It's the one at the West (Power Station) end of the Yacht Haven. It would be nice if it was replaced with a swing bridge (as Carter House bridge was fairly recently) as it's one of the obstacles between Spike Island and Fiddlers Ferry (the others from memory being a couple of now fixed footbridges and an opened-out culvert)

[Orca]

That wagon's gross weight is 32 ton and as it was loaded with 'sand and mud', plus the weight of the Hiab, you can bet it was grossing that with ease. A bridge like that should have an 'axle weight' limit, properly signed, with none of the usual 'except for access' exemptions (if it has), affiliated to a gross weight restriction. By the looks of it a 3 ton axle limit should have been imposed, with no concessions.

it's a tipper lorry, it may have been there legit, as most weight limits have an 'except for access' exemption.

Indeed, but much more rarely where bridges are concerned though. That sort of weight limit usually applies more to residential areas, where a local authority/residents do not want lorries using a particular road as a 'Rat Run' etc and all the noise and hassle associated with it..unless of course you have a genuine reason to be there!??!

 

In this case, if there were no 'Except for Access' exemptions to the weight limit, then the 'Driver' is looking at a hefty fine and lots of points. The Company could also be liable (likely!). If there were exemptions, then he/she has to prove he had reason to take that route and the cops/VOSA will 'fine tooth comb it'.

Edited September 21, 2013 by Orca