scope:

This Guidance Note provides guidance on:

• registering Bridges at risk from Bridge Strikes;

• identification of Bridges at risk of Bridge Strikes;

• measures to reduce the risk of Bridge Strikes;

• the robustness and strength of Bridges at risk of Bridge Strikes;

• measures for reducing the effects of Bridge Strikes on performance;

• implementing measures to increase the robustness of Bridges;

• responding to Bridge Strikes;

• reporting of Bridge Strikes.

The document applies to temporary and permanent Network Rail owned or managed, Shared or Outside Party Bridges as follows:

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

• all Underline Bridges spanning navigable waterways (except waterways navigable only by small pleasure craft);

• all Overline Bridges carrying roads or which may reasonably be expected to carry vehicular traffic.

This document does not apply to:

• 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 as a consequence of the collision of a vehicle with the parapets of a Bridge.

Operational requirements for the management of Bridge Strikes, including Late Reported Bridge Strikes, are specified in NR/L3/OCS/043/7.4 National Control Instructions and Approved Code of Practice: Bridge Strikes from Road Vehicles and Waterborne Vessels.

Purpose

The purpose of this Guidance Note is to provide guidance and information to those within Network Rail, and its suppliers, contractors and consultants who have responsibilities for complying with the requirements of NR/L3/CIV/076 Management of the risk of Bridge Strikes from road vehicles and waterborne vessels.

The guidance provides examples of good practice for:

• managing Bridges on Network Rail's infrastructure such that there is no unacceptable risk to safety as a result of Bridge Strikes;

• reducing the risks to the operational railway from Bridge Strikes by assessing the safety risk at each Bridge and implementing practical mitigation measures as necessary;

• reducing train delays resulting from Bridge Strikes without compromising the safety of train operations.

This document is intended for use as an office reference rather than as a site guide.

Additional and specific guidance for Bridge Strike Nominees is provided in NR/GN/CIV/201: Managing Bridge Strike incidents - good practice guide for Bridge Strike Nominees.