ORR has today written to Network Rail over concerns about a backlog in examining the condition of its railway structures such as bridges, tunnels and culverts. This is an important issue. If Network Rail does not complete the overall examination process at the required intervals, faults could be undetected (or detected but not assessed). In some cases this could lead to a safety issue. It can also result in speed restrictions being put in place to mitigate the safety risk, meaning trains dont run on time.
(Permalink) Bridges Culverts Network Rail ORR Railway structures Safety Tunnels

Philip Haigh provides a manual for railway bridge construction, offering famous examples of the various types and how they function.
(Permalink) Bridges

Highways England plans to infill or demolish around 130 disused railways structures over the next five years, many of which are earmarked for reuse as part of reopened railways, heritage line extensions or greenways for active travel. The state-owned roads company manages the Historical Railways Estate of 3,200 bridges, viaducts and tunnels on behalf of the Department for Transport.
(Permalink) Bridge demolition Bridge infilling Bridges Cultural vandalism Highways England