A scheme to address one of Britain’s most frequently struck railway bridges along the A5 trunk road has received the green light. The Watling Street bridge located on the A5 in Hinckley has earned the reputation of being among the country’s most struck structures, with numerous heavy goods vehicles and large trucks becoming trapped beneath it. During 2019 and 2020, it held the unwanted title of the nation’s most collided-with bridge after being hit on 25 separate occasions. While it has since fallen down the rankings, it continues to generate significant congestion that stretches back toward Nuneaton via The Longshoot and extends down toward Atherstone. However, construction work to lower the carriageway beneath the Watling Street bridge is scheduled to commence the following month, beginning with the development of a brand new access route. According to documentation from Highways England regarding temporary traffic arrangements, the project will proceed in distinct stages, with the initial phase beginning on May 5. A restriction of 40mph will be implemented on the A5 spanning from the Hammonds Way roundabout, situated just ahead of the Watling Street bridge, through to the Dodwells roundabout. This restriction takes effect at 8pm on May 5 and will remain for the duration of the construction period. Road closures affecting certain sections of the carriageway are anticipated later in the summer, with further specifics to be announced by Highways England. It has been confirmed that any such closures will occur between 8pm and 6am, with alternative routes for heavy goods vehicles clearly marked via the M69, M6 and M42 motorways.
This is a digital representation, not a photograph.
