scope:

This Specification identifies requirements for:

• registering and identifying Bridges at risk from Bridge Strikes;
• implementing measures to reduce the frequency of Bridge Strikes;
• designs to provide robust Bridges to resist Bridge Strikes;
• implementing measures to reduce the effects of Bridge Strikes on performance;
• examining Bridges following a Bridge Strike.

This Specification applies to permanent and temporary Bridges on Network Rail infrastructure 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 those navigable only by small pleasure craft;
• all Overline Bridges carrying roads or which may reasonably be expected to carry vehicular traffic.

This Specification applies to all such Network Rail owned or managed, Shared or Outside Party Bridges.

Purpose

The purpose of this Specification is to:

• define the requirements for the management of Underline and Overline Bridges on Network Rail's infrastructure such that there is no unacceptable risk to safety as a result of Bridge Strikes;
• reduce the risks to the operational railway from Bridge Strikes, as far as is reasonably practicable, by assessing the safety risks at each Bridge and implementing mitigating measures as necessary;
• reduce train delays resulting from Bridge Strikes, as far as is reasonably practicable, without compromising the safety of train operations.