NR NR/L2/CIV/076/02 ISSUE 1 PDF

The scope of this process applies to the examination, recording and reporting of Bridge Strikes.

It specifically applies to the following asset types:

• Underline Bridges spanning roads or under which vehicular traffic may reasonably be expected to pass;

• Underline Bridges spanning Navigable Waterways, except those navigable only by small pleasure craft and other small vessels;

• Overline Bridges carrying roads, or which may reasonably be expected to carry vehicular traffic;

• Footbridge spans which span both the railway and an adjacent road. 

The scope of this process does not apply to:

• Rafted Properties, Station Undercrofts, Footbridges that do not span a road and pedestrian subways;

• Bridge Strikes by small pleasure craft and other small vessels, which are unlikely to cause damage to Bridges;

• the management of the risk of Bridge Strikes by rail vehicles or their loads or by rail mounted plant;

• the management of the risk of vehicle incursions onto Network Rail infrastructure, except where such incursions are the consequence of collisions of vehicles with parapets of a Bridges.

It specifically applies to the reporting of Bridge Strikes to the following organisations:

• Office of Rail and Road (ORR);

• Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB);

• Department for Transport Bridge Strike Prevention Group;

• Network Rail management.

Operational requirements for the management of Bridge Strikes, including Late Reported Bridge Strikes are specified in NR/L3/OPS/045/3.34: National Operating Procedure 3.34: Bridge Strikes from Road Vehicles and Waterborne Vessels.

Guidance for Bridge Strike Nominees (BSN) on the examination and reporting of Bridge Strikes is provided in NR/GN/CIV/201 Managing Bridge Strike incidents - good practice guide for Bridge Strike Nominees. 

Purpose 

This document defines the processes and the responsibilities for the response to reported Bridge Strike incidents, including the management of reports following a bridge strike incident. 

Procedures detailed in this module are intended to safeguard the operational railway from unacceptable risk due to Bridge Strikes, and reduce train delays resulting from Bridge Strikes, as far as is reasonably practicable.