Network Rail has just informed the Broads Authority that the Somerleyton Bridge has had to be closed.

This follows an alert from one of the Network Rail Bridge operators which resulted in an engineering test swing this morning which showed that a motor was drawing far too much current whilst operating the Bridge and had to be shut down pending further investigation.

A Network Rail team comprising structural engineers, plant engineers and engineering contractors are scheduled to conduct the investigation on Friday 16 July.

To ensure that further damage is not caused to the bridge, operation was suspended at 1035 hours today (14^th) and will remain so until at least the conclusion of the inspection on Friday.

River passage to low vessels that are normally able to pass under the bridge will not be affected.

An update will be placed on the “Urgent Boating News” page of the Broads Authority website shortly.

Please note that the Broads Authority  is in direct contact with Network Rail and has reiterated the importance to boaters that the Somerleyton Bridge has as a gateway to and from Oulton Broad and the sea.

Network Rail has acknowledged this and has scheduled a full investigation of the bridge as soon as is practically possible. Contact details for Network Rail are as follows:

National Helpline: 08457 114141

Switchboard: 020 7557 8000

Image reproduced from www.broadsnet.co.uk