'Bashed' railway bridge near Coulsdon South gets vehicle collision protection

Network Rail will carry out essential improvement works at the Brighton Road bridge near Coulsdon South station this September, installing new collision protection beams to help prevent vehicle strikes damaging bridges.

The Brighton Road bridge, which carries the Brighton Main Line over the A23, has been hit multiple times by large vehicles, causing delays and disruption to train services.

To tackle this, Network Rail will install specially designed steel protection beams and support frames that absorb vehicle impacts and protect the structure.

Car park closures

To safely carry out the work, parts of the Coulsdon South station car park will be closed on the following dates:

• Monday, September 1 to Friday, October 17, 2025: up to 14 standard parking spaces will be unavailable. The blue badge and electric vehicle charging spaces will remain available.
• Saturday 18 to Sunday, October 19, 2025: the main car park will be closed while a crane is used to lift the protection beam into place.
• There will be no access to the main car park including to the blue badge space and electric vehicle charging spaces. Alternative blue badge spaces are available at the station building.
• Monday 20 to Friday, October 29, 2025: up to 14 standard spaces will again be unavailable. The blue badge and electric vehicle charging spaces will remain available.

Road closures and station access

At times, traffic management will be in place on Brighton Road to support the works:

• Night-time road closures will run Monday to Friday, 8pm to 5.30am from September 8, 2025 to October 17, 2025.
• Full weekend road closures will be in place 24/7 during Saturday 18 and Sunday, October 19.

Access to Coulsdon South station will be maintained throughout:

• During midweek road closures, customers can still reach the station via a left turn before the closure point
• During weekend closures, access will be available from the south side of the station

Network Rail will work closely with local authorities, Southern and contractors to minimise disruption and ensure safe access for all road users and pedestrians.

Lucy McCauliffe, Sussex route director, Network Rail, said: “We work hard to prevent bridge strikes across the railway by improving signage, educating drivers, and trialling new technology like over-height vehicle detection systems.

“But where strikes continue to happen, we also install protection beams like these to shield vital infrastructure.

“These works at Brighton Road will help reduce delays and improve the reliability of services for thousands of passengers each day.

“Thank you to the local community and car park users for their understanding while we carry out these important upgrades”.

How the railway works to prevent bridge strikes

Bridge strikes are a serious issue that can cause delays, damage and disruption. In addition to installing protection beams, Network Rail works to prevent bridge strikes through a range of measures, including:

• Improved signage: clearer, more visible warnings for drivers approaching low bridges
• Technology trials: using over-height vehicle detection systems to alert drivers before they reach a bridge
• Driver education: awareness campaigns in partnership with the freight and haulage industry
• Collaboration with local authorities: coordinated traffic management and enforcement near vulnerable structures
• Rapid response protocols: quick inspections and repairs to minimise disruption when strikes do occur.