Updates as Leicestershire’s most bashed bridge hit again
A busy Leicestershire[1] road was closed this afternoon following a collision. The A5 near Hinckley[2] had been shut in both directions due to a lorry striking the notorious A5 bridge. Leicestershire Police[3] announced the closure between Nutts lane and Dodwells Road Roundabout. Officers had urged motorists to find alternative routes following the incident.
The force issued a statement on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, at 1.10pm today (Wednesday, March 19) confirming the road's closure. READ MORE:Major Leicester road closed due to 'collapsing' building[4] The bridge has become infamous for frequent collisions in recent years, with National Highways revealing it was struck 88 times between 2017 and 2022.
Each strike reportedly costs the economy up to GBP20 million[5], while causing severe disruption to both rail and road users. According to National Highways, plans to address the ongoing issue could begin this spring[6]. The proposed work includes lowering the road under the A5 Watling Street bridge near Padge Hall Farm[7].
Number of bridge strikes this year
3
Last updated: Wednesday, March 19
We are covering this incident live below.
We are now bringing you the latest updates on WhatsApp first[8]
References
- ^ Leicestershire (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Hinckley (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Leicestershire Police (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Major Leicester road closed due to 'collapsing' building (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ economy up to GBP20 million (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ could begin this spring (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Padge Hall Farm (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ We are now bringing you the latest updates on WhatsApp first (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)