A LORRY crashed and become stuck under a railway bridge in a Hampshire town.

The collision happened on a bridge over Greatbridge Road in Romsey at about 11am on Thursday and is causing traffic problems in the area.

Police closed the road in both directions while they deal with the incident but it has since reopened.

Trains were still easing slowly on tracks above the bridge but it is unknown whether they have had to reduce their speeds.

The lorry struck the bridge at 11.30am  while travelling towards the Duttons Road junction.

When entering the bridge it toppled over onto its side and its trailer is leaning into bushes.

The driver of the Wyvern Cargo lorry was unharmed and managed to climb out of his cab.

A gardener who was in the area at the time said: "I heard this big bang and saw the lorry on its side. I couldn't believe it.

"The driver climbed out himself and seems ok."

Neighbours were directing traffic and have been giving water to the driver.

The road is closed from Duttons Road to Fishlake Meadows.

A woman from Budds Lane, was helping direct traffic after her friend alerted her.

She said: "I wanted to check the driver was ok and we have given him water.

"It keeps on happening at this bridge.

"They've got to do something about it but I'm not sure what they can do. There are plenty of signs here warning people."

But she said the driver claims he has driven under the same bridge before without any problems.

Pictures show the lorry wedged under the bridge on the southbound side of the road.

This is the latest in a string of similar incidents at the bridge.

Two years ago residents were demanding action after another lorry got stuck under the bridge.

They said that there have been at least 18 such incidents at the spot over the past ten years.

Then, the Waltet waste truck hit the bridge and toppled over, dumping some of its contents.

Trains were told to slow down as they passed overhead due to fears over the structure of the bridge. Network Rail engineers later established that it was safe.

Three flashing signs warning drivers to turn back were installed on Duttons Road, Greatbridge Road and Fishlake Meadows in recent years.

These are activated by high vehicles, and locals said that they had cut the number of accidents.

But residents and local businesses want more to be done.

They have suggested more warning signs on the outskirts of Romsey, a barrier across the road further up to prevent the vehicles getting to the bridge or stopping heavy goods vehicles taking routes through the town.

Then, Graeme Hutchins, owner of G and N Packing and Logistics Ltd, said that one year he had seen four incidents, and suggested raising the bridge or lowering the road.

“Somebody’s going to get hurt one day. It won’t be the last time unless they do something else,” he added.