'No quick fix' to stop bashing of notorious bridge

A lorry overturned after striking the Watling Street bridge in June 2022

Road bosses have warned work to address the problem of a bridge in Leicestershire being frequently struck by lorries will not happen quickly.

The A5 Watling Street bridge in Hinckley, Leicestershire, was once dubbed the "most bashed" in Britain, and was hit by tall vehicles 88 times between 2017 and September 2022.

A plan was approved in June 2023 to develop a nearby site into a warehouse and office complex, which included the lowering of the road under the bridge.

However, National Highways has said the solution is "highly complex" and could have "significant consequences if not carried out to the highest design and technical specifications".

Scrutiny 'essential'

Transport body Midlands Connect analysed four occasions when the bridge was hit and found the resulting traffic delays cost the economy a combined £126,000.

Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council's planning committee approved the Agrarian Development Holdings scheme two years ago but said while it could solve the bridge strike issue, it would also create long-term traffic problems.

National Highways said it had been in regular discussions with the developer and the scheme needed to address drainage under the road either side of the bridge.

Programme development manager Ian Doust said: "Lowering the road must not adversely impact the bridge or drainage system, particularly with changing weather patterns.

"Taking into account traffic levels, we must be certain work can be delivered safely and without unacceptable levels of disruption.

"We work closely with the developers and the design is now ready for technical approval consideration.

"While the time taken may be frustrating, this level of scrutiny and assurance is essential to ensure that the road will be safe, serviceable and resilient for years to come."