Work to Prevent Lorry Strikes at ‘Britain’s Most Bashed’ Bridge Set to Begin

Long-awaited work to tackle repeated lorry collisions at a railway bridge near Hinckley is due to begin this summer.

Plans have been confirmed to lower the carriageway of the A5 Watling Street beneath the bridge in Leicestershire, which has been labelled the most frequently struck bridge in Britain. Network Rail data shows it was hit 22 times between April 2024 and March 2025.

Major Upgrade Programme

The road-lowering scheme forms part of a wider package of highways improvements scheduled to start on 5 May and expected to take up to a year to complete. However, the most disruptive phase—lowering the road itself—is anticipated to take place during the summer holidays over a two-week period.

The project was originally approved in 2023 as part of plans for a nearby logistics park, with developer Mountpark funding the works.

In addition to lowering the road, the scheme includes:

• A new signal-controlled access point

• Upgrades to Dodwells Roundabout

• Improved walking and cycling connections

Mountpark says the changes will improve safety, reduce disruption and increase reliability for both local residents and the wider road network.

Managing Disruption

During the works, a temporary 40mph speed limit will be introduced along sections of the A5. Overnight road closures between 20:00 and 06:00 may also be required at certain stages.

Given the importance of the A5 as a major route, diversion plans are in place, directing traffic via the M69, M6 and M42.

Hinckley and Bosworth MP Luke Evans acknowledged the inconvenience but described the project as long overdue.

“There will be disruption while these works take place, but this is short-term pain for long-term gain,” he said.

Ongoing Planning Considerations

While Mountpark is committed to delivering the bridge improvements, discussions are ongoing around the timing of related developments. The company has applied to adjust planning conditions to allow Tesco to begin using a new warehouse on the site from September 2026, ahead of the full completion of the highway works.

Local representatives have expressed caution about changing the agreed conditions, stressing the importance of ensuring the bridge issue is fully resolved.

A Long-Term Solution

The project aims to address a long-standing problem that has caused repeated disruption and safety concerns. By lowering the road beneath the bridge, authorities hope to significantly reduce the risk of future collisions and improve traffic flow on this key route.