Businesses near a railway bridge say it is a “nightmare” that it has had to close again.

And one end of Harper Lane is Radlett could stay shut beyond October because of repairs needed after a head-on crash.

Part of the bridge wall collapsed into the railway cutting below after the dramatic collision on September 27.

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Watford Observer: This Range Rover suffered major damage and a Toyota travelling behind was also damaged. A Hyundai travelling in the opposite direction, and pictured left, was the other car involved. Image: via Chris IvoryThis Range Rover suffered major damage and a Toyota travelling behind was also damaged. A Hyundai travelling in the opposite direction, and pictured left, was the other car involved. Image: via Chris Ivory (Image: Supplied)

But more than a week on, people living and working in the area are worried about loss of trade, "appalling" confusing signs and lack of updates from Network Rail.

Chris Ivory, who part-owns a truck hire company that is based yards from the bridge, said: “It’s absolutely horrendous, we’ve got people in lorries and trucks going in and out 24/7 and 90 per cent would use that bridge.

“We’ve also got people turning around in our driveway. It’s a nightmare.

“We had to deal with this closure for months already [when the junction was redesigned] and now we’re back at square one again.”

Read more: Why the railway bridge was closed for months before

Watford Observer: The Hyundai, which was travelling in the opposite direction to a Range Rover and Toyota on the single file bridge in Harper Lane. Image: via Chris IvoryThe Hyundai, which was travelling in the opposite direction to a Range Rover and Toyota on the single file bridge in Harper Lane. Image: via Chris Ivory (Image: Supplied)

Watford Observer: The closure of the bridge in Harper Lane. Further closure signs have been installed at either end of Harper Lane but accusations have been made by Harper Lane business owners that it is not enough. Image: Alexander Mathewson The closure of the bridge in Harper Lane. Further closure signs have been installed at either end of Harper Lane but accusations have been made by Harper Lane business owners that it is not enough. Image: Alexander Mathewson (Image: Alexander Mathewson)

Mr Ivory and fellow Harper Lane business owner Anne Swanston are frustrated by the "appalling" signage, and Ms Swanston says she has seen nobody carrying out repairs.

Ms Swanston, from Radlett Golf Centre, said: “I totally understand there's been an accident and that the bridge has to be made safe but it is frustrating that I don't seem to have seen anyone working to fix it. It feels like nobody is taking action which is irritating.

"As local business owners, we should also be kept updated by those carrying out the repairs."

Network Rail says it has carried out some repairs, but some work can only take place when no trains are running.

Read more: Popular restaurant 'devastated' after being forced to take down marquee

Watford Observer: The red line is the bridge closure. Circled is where Chris Ivory's and Anne Swanston's businesses are based. Image: Google MapsThe red line is the bridge closure. Circled is where Chris Ivory's and Anne Swanston's businesses are based. Image: Google Maps (Image: Google Maps)

Ms Swanston says the closure is also causing her business to suffer.

She revealed: “In the first week after this, it was exceedingly quiet. My takings are down around 80 per cent. Customers are calling me up asking if we are open and if they can get to us. They can but the signage is appalling. They need signs saying businesses are open as usual.”

Watford Observer: Damage to the railway bridge will. Image: via Chris IvoryDamage to the railway bridge will. Image: via Chris Ivory (Image: Supplied)

Network Rail has been granted a permit by Hertfordshire County Council until November 1 to get Harper Lane fully reopen.

A council spokesperson said it is “chasing” Network Rail and its contractor for an update on how long the repairs will take, recognising the closure is causing “very unwelcome disruption”.

Watford Observer: The bridge fenced off after the crash where the Range Rover hit the wall. Image: Alexander MathewsonThe bridge fenced off after the crash where the Range Rover hit the wall. Image: Alexander Mathewson (Image: Alexander Mathewson)

A spokesperson for Network Rail said: "We’ve had to close this bridge on safety grounds following significant damage caused by a road traffic collision.

"Our teams have been on site and have already carried out work to make the cutting, which is adjacent to the bridge, safe. We’ve also begun working on designs for the scaffolding, which will need to be installed in order to complete the repairs.

“We’d like to reassure the community that carrying out these repairs is a priority and we’re working to complete them as soon as possible.”

Watford Observer: The bridge, pictured in 2021, operates on a single file system and controlled by traffic lights after a footpath was installed on the bridgeThe bridge, pictured in 2021, operates on a single file system and controlled by traffic lights after a footpath was installed on the bridge (Image: Newsquest)

The crash itself, which happened on the single lane bridge that is controlled by traffic lights, is being investigated by police.

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