A road-rail vehicle smashed into a footbridge in Coulsdon at the weekend, closing Woodmansterne station and causing severe delays to passengers travelling between Purley and Tattenham Corner.

Network Rail staff were working on rail improvements yesterday when one of their vehicles crashed into a footbridge on Woodman Road.

An eye-witness told the Croydon Guardian it had split the bridge in two.

A Network Rail spokesman said: “One of our road-rail vehicles struck a footbridge at Woodmansterne Road and Woodman Road at 7.50pm and displaced it.

“We carried out an assessment on the bridge and found that the damage could not be repaired. On safety grounds we have taken the decision to dismantle the bridge, which is being carried out today.

“The rail replacement bus service between Purley and Tattenham Corner, which was in place during the rail improvement works, has been extended to cover today. We hope train services will resume by the end of the day.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused for rail passengers and the people who use the footpath.”

Are you affected? Tell us about it below or call the newsdesk on 02083309559