Looking at the damage I would be surpirsed if the bigger hit the horizontal part of the bridge. Looks more to me that it hit a vertical "off to the side" of the carriage way.
It is only a footbridge so with the right kit, flood lights etc. it won't take long to make safe.
One report said that the lorry with the digger was on the hard shoulder, slowing.
From the media photos it had just passed under a gantry, and didn't hit it. Also the foot bridge seems to be deeper in profile at the sides than the centre.
Hypothesis: the HGV driver realised the boom had become free (excavators are required to have moving parts locked when on a transporter) and was slowing to stop and re-secure his load or call for help. So he was VERY unlucky to hit a bridge that has less than normal clearance over the hard shoulder. Had he stayed on a normal lane he might have got under the bridge.
Anyone have any other ideas?
I feel for the biker....a VERY lucky and experienced rider. Reports say he dropped his bike so as to slide between the bridge and toad, the gap is abut 3 foot. He has broken ribs, which is logical if he went down whilst moving.
