A205 South Circular Closed After Lorry Collision with Rail Bridge: Traffic Disruptions in Putney
On Monday, October 21, the A205 South Circular faced significant disruptions following a collision involving a lorry and a rail bridge near East Putney Station. The incident, which occurred around midday, has led to road closures in both directions and has severely impacted traffic flow in the surrounding areas.
Incident Overview
At approximately 12:11 PM, a flatbed lorry transporting a digger struck the rail bridge, causing considerable damage. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) responded promptly, dispatching crews from Wandsworth Fire Station to the scene. Their swift action ensured the area was made safe, and by 12:45 PM, firefighters had concluded their operations. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries related to the incident, which is a relief given the potential severity of such collisions.
Road Closures and Diversions
The collision has necessitated the closure of the A205 South Circular in both directions, leading to significant traffic disruptions. Upper Richmond Road, a major thoroughfare in the area, is heavily affected, with delays reported. In response to the incident, bus routes 37 and 337 have been diverted, further complicating travel for commuters and residents alike.
Wandsworth Council took to X (formerly Twitter) to inform motorists of the situation, advising them to avoid the area if possible. Their message read: “There is currently a closure on Upper Richmond Road at East Putney Station due to a vehicle striking the bridge. Delays should be expected in the area, so please avoid them where possible. @LondonFire and @metpoliceuk are in attendance.” This proactive communication aims to mitigate the impact of the incident on local traffic.
LFB Response and Recovery Efforts
A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade provided further insight into the incident, stating: “Firefighters were called to reports of a road traffic collision on Upper Richmond Road in Putney. One flatbed lorry carrying a digger collided with a rail bridge. Firefighters made the scene safe. There are currently no reports of any injuries.”
Emergency services and engineers are currently managing the situation on-site. A removal lorry was dispatched to assist with the damaged digger; however, complications arose when one of its hydraulic lines burst during the recovery process. This unexpected issue has added to the complexity of the recovery efforts, and engineers are diligently working to resolve it. As a result, the road will remain closed until all necessary repairs and recovery operations are completed.
Impact on Local Community
The closure of the A205 South Circular and the subsequent traffic disruptions have significant implications for the local community. Commuters who rely on this route for their daily travel are facing delays, and local businesses may also experience a downturn in foot traffic as access to the area becomes more challenging.
Residents are encouraged to seek alternative routes and stay updated on the situation through local news outlets and social media channels. The ongoing efforts by emergency services and local authorities aim to restore normalcy as quickly as possible, but the situation remains fluid.
Conclusion
The collision of a lorry with a rail bridge near East Putney Station has led to the closure of the A205 South Circular, causing significant traffic disruptions in the area. While emergency services have responded effectively, the recovery process is ongoing, and motorists are advised to avoid the area until further notice. As the situation develops, local authorities will continue to provide updates to keep the community informed.