‘Slow Down’ Plea As Historic Canal Bridge Struck Again

The Canal and River Trust is urging drivers to slow down after a historic bridge between Foxton and Theddingworth was hit by a vehicle for the second time in eight months.

A car collided with the side of the structure on Bunker’s Hill Road, with some of the wall falling into the canal below.

Canal bridge hit for the second time in a year.
PIC: ANDY CARPENTER

Major repairs will have to be carried out again, with the charity now looking at providing additional protection to the brickwork in a bid to stop it happening again.

A spokesman for the charity said: “It’s always so frustrating to see historic bridges damaged by careless driving but especially so in this case having only repaired the bridge earlier this year.

“As the charity tasked with protecting and preserving the nation’s historic waterways we’d urge drivers to please slow down when approaching historic canal bridges.

“These bridges weren’t designed for modern cars and so they do need a little bit of care and respect when approaching them.

“If drivers slow down when approaching a traditional canal bridge they’ll be helping us to ensure that these important pieces of our local history are there to be enjoyed for future generations – as well as protecting their insurance premiums.”

The Trust say Police have provided the details of the driver who crashed into the bridge and is now working to recover the cost of the repairs through their insurance.

Canal bridge hit for the second time in a year.
PIC: ANDY CARPENTER