Fears raised that a train could derail if action is not taken to improve safety at railway bridge

Frank Thompson says the bridge in Sinclair Street is an accident waiting to happen as vehicles are repeatedly crashing into the structure on the road below.

The 63-year-old, whose fifth floor flat in Cartsdyke Apartments overlooks the bridge, says he has witnessed around 20 vehicles striking the bridge over the past two years, with the most recent incident.

He says a train had already crossed the bridge before services on the line were halted fore safety checks.

Frank is also worried about the integrity of the bridge and possible metal fatigue, as water is visible running down the sides and there are signs of rust.

He said: "I've seen vehicles going into that bridge about 20 times in the past two years.

"It's got to be doing some sort of damage to the bridge.

"I'm very concerned about it.

"I've noticed that there is water now running down the walls of the bridge, which has never happened before, and the bridge appears rusty too.

"I really want to raise awareness about it.

"I would hate to see a train derail."

Frank, who has a role as a railway pastor, said he was alarmed to see that a train had crossed the bridge before following the most recent incident on Saturday March 23.

He said: "A train went over the bridge after it happened and before it was told to stop.

"The trains were off for about an hour and a half so it was obviously classed as a major incident."

Frank and his wife June believe that banning vehicles from driving under the bridge could be a solution and they are also calling for a detailed structural investigation of the bridge.

June said: "I don't see why they don't just block it off to traffic.

"It should be just for pedestrians."

Network Rail today sought to allay fears over the bridge and revealed that they plan to upgrade it.

A spokesperson said: “We maintain more than 14,000 structures across the railway in Scotland and vehicles striking our bridges is an all too common occurrence.

“Bridges and the tracks over them are regularly inspected and we have systems in place to respond to any incidents.

“The bridge is clearly sign-posted as a low structure and drivers must take responsibility for knowing the height of their vehicle and driving appropriately.

“We also have plans to enhance the bridge in the 2022/23 financial year which will help to further reduce disruption caused by bridges strikes at this location.”

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We maintain more than 14,000 structures across the railway in Scotland and vehicles striking our bridges is an all too common occurrence.

“Bridges and the tracks over them are regularly inspected and we have systems in place to respond to any incidents.

“The bridge is clearly sign-posted as a low structure and drivers must take responsibility for knowing the height of their vehicle and driving appropriately.

“We also have plans to enhance the bridge in the 2022/23 financial year which will help to further reduce disruption caused by bridges strikes at this location.”