TO the casual observer wandering down the narrow and winding country road the scene is one of rural bliss.

That is until the tearing sound of an express train thundering beneath the road bridge suddenly shatters the solitude.

A closer examination reveals a disaster waiting to happen beneath the innocuous charm of the stone bridge which arches across the rail line.

For just a few strands of wire, loosely threaded between wooden posts, protect the country's highest speed line from passing cars and lorries.

The bridge between Sunderland Bridge and the village of Hett was one of about 50 between Newcastle and York visited by The Northern Echo - one of many with the potential for another Selby-type catastrophe.

Professor John Knapton, a structural engineer at Newcastle University, who accompanied The Northern Echo on the inspection, says: "There is no doubt this is a hazard.

"While this is a very minor road, it is over a very major railway and something should be done about it.

"Not only should there be proper barriers, the whole bridge would need rebuilding to make it safe."

Starting at Newcastle Station, the East Coast Main Line appears well encased as it passes under the first bridges.

But the first chink in its protective armour comes just a short distance away, at Derwentwater Road, Bensham, where it is not inconceivable that a car travelling at speed could breach the metal railings to plunge on to the track below.

At Eastern Avenue, in Team Valley, the line's only protection is a wooden fence with a few sparse trees acting as a barrier.

The first crossing of the A1 seems, on the face of it, well protected. But, says Prof Knapton, the railings are designed primarily to protect the parapet and not to stop a vehicle from reaching the track below.

Although the parapet, made of steel girders, may prevent a vehicle or lorry leaving the road, it would not stop a direct hit from a heavy truck.

What is needed is not only an extension of the safety barrier, but a reinforced concrete wall set back from the catch fence as added protection, says Prof Knapton.

As the line plunges through the warehouses of Birtley, Gateshead, we happen on one of the most appalling examples of what is wrong with the system.

Seeing the bridge in Station Lane, Prof Knapton shakes his head and mutters: "A horror story, a horror story."

Any pretence of protecting the line is gone. Lying in a derelict mess on the ground are fence posts, long since knocked over.

Prof Knapton says: "It is a complete mish-mash. You can see they have tried one method and when that hasn't worked have tried another. This is just a rubbish tip."

At some rural bridges, such as at Smithy Lane, south of Gateshead, and one between Newton Aycliffe and Stainton, more substantial barriers seem to afford more protection. But those defences could conceivably be breached.

The bridge at Pelaw Road, Chester-le-Street, is protected by a wooden fence. But it is the parapet which attracts his attention. Prof Knapton says: "Masonry parapets may seem sturdy. But that is deceptive. They have no strength and wouldn't stop a car going over."

For proper protection, he recommends all masonry and brick parapets be completely rebuilt in reinforced concrete and refaced with stone.

Further down the line, on the B6300, what protection there is on one approach has obviously been hit many times and is in disrepair.

Prof Knapton says: "Anyone coming off the road here has clear run down to the main line. To add to the danger is a section of slippery road on the bend. And the walling surrounding the line is of no consequence."

On a minor road near the Bradbury interchange near Newton Aycliffe, one of the approaches is covered with easily-breached wooden fencing.

Prof Knapton says: "That fence is there to stop trespassers getting on to the line. There is no way that is going to stop a car."

As the line progresses through rural North Yorkshire, wooden railings are the prevalent barrier.

South of Darlington, there is still clear evidence of a recent crash at Dalton. A wooden fence and a few bushes are all that prevent a truck from careering on to the rail line. One week on and repairs have yet to be carried out.