Collision with bridge could cost millions
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M by Hobert Izzard
An Isle of Wight haulier might face a claim for millions of pounds against his insurance by the Highways Agency after one of its trucks hit a motorway bridge.
The vehicle, owned by Sandown-based George Jenkins Transport, hit the bridge on the M27 last month. The single-tracked concrete bridge allows access to Southern Water over the motorway, but since the accident all vehicles have been banned from using it, It is due to be repaired as part of an extensive roadworks and resurfacing programme which should be completed in November.
The Highways Agency says the vehicle was too high to clear the bridge, which meets standard motorway specifications for height clearance. It is now assessing whether the bridge can be repaired or if it will need to be demolished and rebuilt.
A Highways Agency spokesman says: The claim for damages will be handled by the insurance companies, and we would consider the option of taking legal action if the claim is not settled amicably. As yet the value of the claim has not been assessed, but if the bridge has to be replaced the costs could run into millions."
But director George Jenkins says he has heard nothing from his insurance company or the Highways Agency since the police contacted him about the accident two weeks ago.
He claims: "The highways contract to lower the M27 went out last October because the bridge has been struck before." He now plans to send an independent surveyor to measure and assess the damage.