Road lowering at most bashed bridge delayed again

A scheme to stop lorries crashing into Britain's most bashed bridge has been delayed again.

The railway bridge over the A5 Watling Street, near Hinckley in Leicestershire, has been struck by tall vehicles 26 times since March 2025 - most recently on Tuesday.

Developer Mountpark agreed to lower the road under the bridge when it was granted planning permission to build a large logistics park nearby in June 2023 and said it wanted to start the work in May.

However, Network Rail has confirmed it has still not approved the proposal to lower the road under the bridge by 51cm (1.67ft) to create more clearance for tall vehicles.

Mountpark has now said it intends to start work on other parts of a £10m package of measures along that stretch of the A5, while it awaits sign-off for the road lowering element.

Campaigners who have been calling for measures to end the disruption caused by bridge strikes said any solution still felt a long way off.

The bridge was dubbed the most bashed in 2025, as Network Rail said it was struck 22 times between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025.

Former Hinckley county councillor David Bill told the BBC: "This road lowering is a myth. It's a plan that can't get signed off and the longer that remains the case, the harder it is to see it happening."

A Network Rail spokesperson said: "We remain committed to working collaboratively with our partners and supporting the development of proposals to reduce bridge strikes at Hinckley, which can cause serious safety issues for road and rail users, as well as being costly to taxpayers.

"As with any proposal affecting the operational railway, detailed designs and associated works information must be submitted and reviewed ahead of the work taking place and we're continuing to engage with Mountpark to progress this as quickly as possible."

The BBC asked Network Rail why the scheme was yet to be approved, but it has not provided a reason.

Bill said he understood the hold-up had been caused by a change in personnel within the organisation.

However, the spokesperson added: "In the meantime, we urge operators and drivers to properly plan their routes, know the height of their vehicles and look out for road signs showing the height of oncoming bridges."

Mountpark said it had been hoped the project would start in May but "the complexity of delivering this infrastructure resulted in delays in obtaining technical approval from key stakeholders".

Among the concerns raised were that the road under the bridge would flood if it was lowered.

Mountpark's senior UK and Ireland director Tom Kilmister told the BBC: "We are pleased that work is now getting under way.

"The proposed schedule of works includes delivery of the new signal-controlled site access, upgrades to Dodwells Roundabout, enhanced pedestrian and cycle connectivity as well as the lowering of the A5 below the railway bridge.

"Having committed over £10m of private investment, Mountpark will be delivering critical infrastructure solutions along the A5 as part of its Mountpark Hinckley development.

"This investment has been underpinned by sustained technical work and close collaboration with National Highways, Network Rail and the county highway authorities of Leicestershire and Warwickshire."

Full overnight road closures are planned on the stretch of the A5 between the Dodwells Roundabout and Sketchley Roundabout on Monday and Tuesday to set up traffic management ahead of an estimated 42-week construction programme.

That will include further road closures and off-peak traffic management measures.

Current Hinckley county councillor Ann Pendlebury said: "It's good that the work on the Dodwells Roundabout is going to start. It's much needed.

"But the road lowering isn't approved yet and there's no guarantee it will be.

"People are saying they will believe it when they see it.

"The disruption caused by bridge strikes and the road works themselves could go on and on."

Contractors Winvic, who will carry out the work, said: "Further works will take place, including the lowering of the existing carriageway under the Watling Street Bridge and signage adjustments.

"These works remain subject to final approval but will form part of the overall scope.

"Further details will be provided once approvals have been confirmed.

"Access for local residents and businesses will be maintained, with traffic management operatives available to escort vehicles safely to their required destinations.

"Alternative travel routes via the M69, M6 and M42 are in place for main HGV diverted traffic

"Local diversion traffic will be diverted through Hinckley and communicated via signage."

National Highways said it was aware of the work Mountpark intended to carry out.

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