A rail bridge at Stonea near March has entered the race to become the country’s most bashed bridge after being hit 15 times since the beginning of the year.

Network Rail says the transit van which hit the railway bridge at Stonea recently and combined with the previous 14 occasions was now Britain’s second most bashed bridge.

The rail operator is urging drivers to “wise up and size up” their vehicle and plan their route before they head out on their journey.

Meliha Duymaz, Network Rail’s route managing director for Anglia, said: “The bridge is Britain’s second most bashed bridge1 and sits on the line between March and Manea over the B1098 Sixteen Foot Bank Road.

“It has been struck by a range of vehicles including vans, high trailers and caravans, some of which have become stuck underneath.”

Meliha added: “Despite being clearly marked, this bridge is being driven into by irresponsible drivers causing unnecessary disruption to railway and road-users.

“This can be avoided if drivers take the time to size up their vehicle and anything they may be towing before they set out on their journey.

“Don’t just chance it – anyone who is unsure should pull over to check the height or use the alternative route.”

The most recent incident, on October 3, involved a transit van which became wedged underneath the bridge.

On September 8 a car carrying cycles on top struck the bridge and on July 10 and 16y caravans struck the bridge.

Network Rail said that on July 9 it was also damaged when a trailer carrying machinery became stuck while being pulled by a pick-up truck.

The company said that with a height restriction of only 2.1m (7ft), any vehicle larger than a standard car is at risk.

An alternative route, using the level crossing next to the bridge, is available for drivers in large vehicles.

Meliha added: “To keep everyone safe, all bridges are examined when hit by a vehicle, which can cause delays to rail services.

“In some cases, it’s necessary to carry out repair work before reopening the railway line and road.

To learn more and about bridge strikes and how to report a bridge strike please visit: www.networkrail.co.uk/wiseupsizeup

* Ely station bridge has the inauspicious title of Britain’s most bashed bridge – it has been hit nearly 120 times since Network Rail began counting.