The day a bus crashed into UK's most bashed bridge

9:14am Friday 2nd February 2007

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IT DOES seem that only a few weeks go by before we hear about yet another vehicle hitting Britain's most-bashed bridge.

Last month Whitehouse Bridge in Swindon managed to escape any major incidents.

But over its lifetime the structure has been struck at least once a month by high vehicles who fail to spot the "Low Bridge" signs.

However, despite all these accidents, the bridge always appears to be indestructible. It's the vehicles that suffer.

Over the years it has been bashed by everything from large articulated lorries, double-decker buses and small high-sided vans.

During the 1990s, the bridge hits were becoming increasingly common - disrupting journeys not only for Swindon drivers but commuters on the train too.

So in 1996, it was decided that a bus would be deliberately bashed into the bridge to show just how dangerous it can be.

October 15 was the big day, and big crowds gathered in Station Road and Whitehouse Road to watch chaos ensue. Numerous photographers and TV cameramen were also there to capture the moment.

Among those with video cameras were a team from the Swindon-based AVP Group, which had a series of cameras in place.

Now it has made the video of the demonstration available to Adver readers, who can watch the spectacular stunt on our website.

Bob Myers, of AVP, was there on the day. Five cameras were used behind the bus, and under and above the bridge.

"We were contracted by Railtrack at the time to do the work and we had about a week's notice," Bob said.

"We had one chance to get it right so that's why we set up so many cameras.

"I remember one of our cameramen was set up under the bridge and he was shooting on telephoto and was a safe distance from the bus, but he said to me afterwards that the whole experience scared the pants off him as the bus got bigger in the viewfinder.

"I have no doubt readers will enjoy the video. The stunt and the sound effects were spectacular to say the least. It was quite an experience to see it."

The bus was driven by stuntman John Carr, who was hired by the-then rail infrastructure firm Railtrack to drive into the 10ft high bridge.

He was given just a 100 yard run-up to get the bus to speed before the top the vehicle walloped the bridge.

As it did so the top deck of the bus peeled off like a tin of sardines.

By the time the bus had come to a halt, it had been pinned halfway under the structure. A few moments later John - who was insured for £2m - emerged from the bus unscathed to a round of applause.

The bridge was completely undamaged by the demonstration, although there was one problem - the crash caused the height sign on the bridge to crumple and fall off, so there was no sign to warn drivers of tall vehicles. It was replaced a few days later, however.