A bridge that has been crashed into dozens of times over the years has been struck once again in Gowerton, temporarily closing the road to traffic.
Trafle Mill railway bridge, on Victoria Road in Gowerton, has a height limit of 3.3 metres. It is a notorious accident blackspot, hit more than 30 times in the past decade, often by tall lorries and buses.
As of 2026, it remains one of Wales’ most frequently struck bridges, causing significant traffic delays and rail safety checks.
Despite existing signage and warnings, vehicles continue to hit the bridge. Network Rail has previously installed extra warning signs and laser sensors to alert drivers, but the strikes keep happening.
Before this one, the most recent notable strike was in April 2023, when a van hit the bridge and police were needed to manage traffic. Other significant strikes in recent years include:
- May 2022: An agricultural vehicle struck the bridge, leading to a temporary road closure for damage assessment.
- August 2020: A Swansea Council bin lorry hit the bridge, causing significant tailbacks and disrupting local bus services.
- March 2020: A Kingsmill bread van had its roof sliced off while attempting to pass underneath.
- October 2019: A lorry’s roof was ripped off, and rail services were delayed as a safety precaution.
This time, the road was closed in both directions between the B4296 Mill Street and the A484 roundabout, near the old Wave studios, with South Wales Police at the scene.
Local resident Mark Needs captured the dramatic scenes below.
Thankfully, no one was hurt, and the force confirmed the road had reopened later in the evening.
Discover more from Swansea Bay News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
The driver of that skip must be.blind and deaf to not be aware of the height of the bridge and the warning audible siren plus flashing lights- my thoughts are with the driver of the white car who was hit!!!