A PAINSTAKING operation to lift a lorry dangling above a busy railway line in East Yorkshire began today.

Engineers started to remove the lorry and truck which collided on the Caville Railway Bridge on the A614 at Howden.

The crash damaged the bridge parapets and sent about ten tonnes of debris on to the Selby-to-Hull line. It left the lorry teetering precariously.

Hull Trains and Arriva Trains Northern services running between Selby and Hull have been severely disrupted by the line's closure.

Today, engineers completed a temporary road through a nearby field to access the railway line. The crane then stood on timber decking over the line and began to remove the vehicles.

Once the highway is cleared, East Riding of Yorkshire Council will make arrangements for single file access for vehicles over the bridge. This will be controlled by traffic lights.

The damage to the bridge means that concrete barriers will temporarily be installed to keep traffic towards the middle of the crossing.

Railtrack engineers hope the recovery and subsequent clean-up operation will be completed in time for the line to reopen on Saturday.

Train operators were keen to reassure passengers that a replacement bus service between Selby and Hull would ensure they reach their destination.

Updated: 14:46 Wednesday, July 31, 2002