Safety survey for Derbyshire accident bridge

A bridge in Derbyshire which has seen more than 20 serious accidents could be raised or demolished.

The disused railway bridge over the A610 at Sawmills, between Ambergate and Ripley, has been struck by several lorries misjudging the height.

Officials said it also caused congestion, as other tall vehicles backed up the single carriageway road.

The county council is to begin clearance work next week ahead of a full structural assessment.

Derbyshire County Council's cabinet member for highways and transport, Councillor Chris Jackson, said: "Since 1988 more than 20 lorries have hit the bridge that we are aware of and some of these have turned over.

"Despite 13 different warning signs between the A38 and the bridge many more lorries cause traffic problems by backing up when the drivers realise they cannot get under."

"We're looking at what we can do to improve safety and this may mean that the bridge could be raised or removed."

The steel and concrete bridge was opened in 1875 and was last used in 1968.