Delays to trains in Laois as bridge hit by vehicle
The bridge in Portlaoise had to be inspected causing a number of trains to be delayed
Rail services between Portlaoise and Portarlington were suspended this afternoon due to reports of a high sided vehicle striking a bridge in Laois.
The bridge strike in Portlaoise forced a Dublin Limerick train to stop outside Portlaoise at around 4.45pm.
“Services have been suspended between Portlaoise and Portarlington following a report that a vehicle struck a bridge in Portlaoise. 15:30 Heuston to Limerick stopped outside Portlaoise,” Irish Rail stated on social media at the time.
The bridge strike meant services were unable to operate until Irish Rail engineers had inspected the bridge and declared it safe.
At 5.21pm, Irish Rail stated that services had resumed with knock-on delays to some services. Delays of around 30 minutes were expected on the 15.30 Dublin Limerick, the 16.00 Dublin Cork and the 16.25 Portlaoise to Dublin services.
Irish Rail has installed warning systems on approaches to both railway bridges in Portlaoise.