This footbridge was probably built about 40years ago before the clearances for footbridges were subsequently raised following numerous hits.
The current standard for major bridge crossings is a minimum clearance of about 5.2m across all carriageways (including hard shoulder). This allows for future resurfacing work.
The minimum clearance for footbridges was raised to 5.5m and may now even be 5.7/5.8m according to current standards.
The footbridge in question had been closed to foot traffic for 2 years pending refurbishment works. Obviously the Highways Agency were concerned about the integrity of this footbridge and the disaster that happened today just reinforces their concerns.
It's very easy to be critical with hindsight but this 40+ year old footbridge should have been condemned and demolished for the safety of the travelling public, in my view.
The current standard for major bridge crossings is a minimum clearance of about 5.2m across all carriageways (including hard shoulder). This allows for future resurfacing work.
The minimum clearance for footbridges was raised to 5.5m and may now even be 5.7/5.8m according to current standards.
The footbridge in question had been closed to foot traffic for 2 years pending refurbishment works. Obviously the Highways Agency were concerned about the integrity of this footbridge and the disaster that happened today just reinforces their concerns.
It's very easy to be critical with hindsight but this 40+ year old footbridge should have been condemned and demolished for the safety of the travelling public, in my view.