'We've got the most bashed bridge in Britain'

Available for over a year

A Leicestershire bridge that has seen repeated collisions has again been hit by a lorry. The A5 in Hinckley was closed in both directions on Wednesday after a lorry crashed into the Watling Street railway bridge and shed its load. It follows dozens of similar crashes in recent years which has placed the bridge among the most frequently struck in the country. Last year it was revealed the bridge had been hit by high vehicles 88 times between 2017 and September 2022. Network Rail says that the bridge has been struck 13 times this year alone. Councillor David Bill MBE from Hinckley told Ady Dayman this has been an issue for years, but there is now hope in sight. National Highways have told us: 'Plans to lower the road are being undertaken by the developer for the Land at Padge Hall Development, which has planning consent in place. We are currently working with them to achieve technical assurance and once agreed the works can be undertaken.'