Three vehicles get stuck under town’s notorious low bridge in just one day
A van stuck under Abbey Farm bridge. Picture: Gareth Wardell - Credit: Archant
A bridge in the centre of a Norfolk town was hit three times in one day despite a graffiti warning telling drivers of tall vehicles not to enter.
Vehicles getting stuck is so common the community has suggested setting up a picnic at the bridge. This is a previous incident. - Credit: Archant
The Abbey Farm railway bridge, close to Thetford train station, is one of the 10 most hit railway bridges in the UK.
On Friday, August 9, three vehicles including a car with bicycles on the roof, a camper van, and a van, became stuck under the bridge, causing traffic delays.
Every time the 2.2m (7ft 3in) bridge, which links Station Road to Mundford Road, is hit it has to be inspected for structural damage causing delays to rail services in and out of the town.
In June this year graffiti was painted on the walls of the bridge warning "no vans, low exit" but despite this vehicles still get stuck regularly.
Graffiti warning drivers to take care has been daubed on the Abbey Farm low bridge in Thetford. Picture: Damian Jermy - Credit: Damian Jermy
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It has become a joke in the community that every Friday vehicles get stuck when trying to avoid rush-hour traffic and a Facebook page has been created to share pictures when the bridge is hit.
On a picture of a van stuck under the bridge one said: "It would be nice to sit on the grass, north side of the bridge, with a picnic or barbecue and enjoy the Friday afternoon carnage."
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Another commented: "We need text message alerts so when the van drivers get stuck we can all head down there for a good bit of entertainment."
Last month Thetford town councillor Stuart Wright made a plea to Norfolk County Council to address the problem.
Three vehicles got stuck under Abbey Farm bridge in one day. Picture: Amanda Walton - Credit: Archant
He said: "What we need is more signs alerting motorists to the height or something that flashes on as drivers get closer to the bridge warning about its size.
"Something needs to be done. It's not just Thetford that is affected. Thetford Station is already one of the worst for punctuality with trains running late and the bridge affects this."
