the bridge - 2/2
An examination the role of the bridge in the accident, does not rely on hindsight. A bridge falling onto a passing train is not a scenario of without precedent. Lewisham in London (1957) and Granville in Australia(1977) provide two examples of such an incident. The Eschede bridge appears to have been designed to meet the characteristics of the traffic that it would be expected to carry. Thus, a lightly used, rural road as at Eschede, demanded a less substantial structure than if it were to carry a major trunk road.
It is possible that if a design approach had been adopted that paid more heed to the speed and weight of the traffic passing under the bridge then a different solution may have resulted. A single span for example, or an underpass come immediately to mind. Both would avoid the need to place supports so close to the line.

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