Train services between Aberdeen and Dyce were suspended late Saturday night after a car ploughed into a stone parapet wall on a road bridge above the railway line, causing significant structural damage and triggering a major safety response.
The crash, which occurred on Donbank Terrace in Aberdeen, led to the immediate closure of the railway line below as debris scattered onto the tracks and the integrity of the bridge was called into question. According to Network Rail, engineers deemed the line unsafe to operate until repairs can be completed.
Major Disruption as Emergency Repairs Begin
The collision was first reported around 19:40 local time on Saturday evening. By 21:00, Network Rail engineers and Police Scotland had cordoned off the area and halted all train movements on the Aberdeen-Dyce route—a key commuter and regional connection in the north of Scotland.
Specialist engineers conducted an overnight structural assessment and confirmed on Sunday morning that the parapet wall sustained “significant” damage. Rubble from the stone bridge remains scattered near the railway, and Network Rail confirmed the area will remain closed through at least Sunday as crews begin repairs and remove debris.
“It is not safe to run trains under the bridge in its current condition,” said a spokesperson from Network Rail. “Our teams are working as quickly and safely as possible to assess and repair the damage.”
Driver Fled the Scene
Police Scotland said the driver responsible for the crash had already left the scene by the time officers arrived. A police spokesperson confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with inquiries underway to determine the full circumstances of the incident.
“Officers attended Donbank Terrace at approximately 19:40 on Saturday evening following a report of a road traffic collision involving a car and a bridge parapet,” the statement read. “The driver had left prior to police arrival.”
Authorities have not confirmed whether the vehicle involved was stolen, nor have they released any identifying information about the driver. It is also unclear whether speed or alcohol were contributing factors.
Commuters Warned of Delays and Disruptions
ScotRail has altered its Sunday timetable, and passengers are being advised to check schedules and expect delays. Replacement bus services are being considered but have not yet been confirmed.
The Aberdeen-Dyce line serves not only local commuters but also links Aberdeen Airport to the city centre and other parts of the north-east. The disruption comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over Scotland’s rail infrastructure resilience, especially as Network Rail continues ongoing maintenance works across the region.
Safety Concerns Resurface
This latest bridge strike follows a series of recent incidents in Scotland involving infrastructure damage caused by vehicles, sparking renewed debate over driver behaviour and bridge safety protocols.
In 2023, a similar crash in Fife resulted in several days of closures and prompted calls for better protective measures around low-clearance or vulnerable bridge structures. While Donbank Terrace is not a low-clearance bridge, its elevated position over active railway lines adds layers of risk in the event of structural compromise.
Network Rail maintains a “strike register” for bridge collisions and has invested in monitoring and protective barriers at several high-risk locations. Whether the Donbank Terrace bridge will now be added to that list remains to be seen.
