Birmingham’s Cross City rail line was partially suspended today after a lorry smashed into a bridge notorious for repeated truck crashes.
The train route was suspended between New Street and Lichfield was out of action following the collision on Summer Road in Erdington.
The 14ft high bridge, which carries the Cross City Line over this road, has been the scene of scores of crashes over the last year.
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It was struck at least five times in just four months last year.
Lorry drivers were told at the time to “wise up, size up” with truckers urged to know the height of their vehicle.
Train passengers today were able to use tickets on NX West Midlands bus services.
Toppled lorry at the 4.3-metre low bridge on Summer Road, Erdington, on April 30, 2025 -Credit:Birmingham New Street
Transport for West Midlands posted on X today: “Due to a lorry colliding with the rail bridge on Summer Road in #Erdington, CrossCity North train services are currently suspended.
“(New Street – Lichfield) Passengers can use their train ticket on NX Buses. @westmidrailway.”
West Midlands Roads added: “#UPDATE Summer Road #Erdington is now completely blocked at the railway bridge as recovery is taking place.”
Birmingham campaigner Reiss Omari posted on X: “Are we waiting for this bridge to collapse before implementing a fix – clearly the signage and bright yellow hazards signs aren’t enough, the disruption this would cause to the Cross City line if the bridge ever collapsed would be insane.”
Previously Martin Colmey, operations director for Network Rail’s Central route, said: “There is no excuse for driving a lorry into a railway bridge.
“Our bridges are clearly marked, and lorry drivers should always know the height restrictions of their vehicles.
“To ignore both and bash a bridge, causing disruption to passengers and road users, is unforgivable.”