A problem bridge on the A5 close to Nuneaton has sustained another impact.
The A5 Watling Street is blocked in both lanes between Dodwells roundabout and Hammond Way this morning (July 28).
Emergency services have reported that a heavy goods vehicle struck the well-known bridge, leaving the route impassable.
Traffic monitoring platform Inrix indicates that congestion has built up in the vicinity as a result of the shutdown.
The disruption is expected to affect the broader A5 corridor, including the junction with Nuneaton at the Long Shoot and further east at Atherstone.
Emergency services have been approached for comment regarding the occurrence.
This follows the structure once again being named among the most struck in the nation.
Network Rail has verified that the bridge creating problems for Nuneaton drivers continues to be among the most problematic in the country.
The situation is developing and updates on the road closure can be followed below.
Developments
Traffic monitoring platform Inrix has indicated that the goods vehicle has now been removed.
Both carriageways have been reopened to traffic.
Normal traffic flow has resumed.
Network Rail has confirmed that rail services have now resumed on the line.
However, a caution has been issued.
While services return to normal, trains operating between Leicester and Nuneaton may still face cancellations, be subject to delays of up to an hour, or operate on altered schedules.
Recovery vehicles with specialist equipment have been dispatched to the location.
This is because the vehicle remains jammed.
The highway continues to be shut.
Network Rail has indicated that disruptions are expected to persist for approximately the next hour.
This occurs as the railway line stays blocked following the bridge collision.
Officers from the constabulary are reportedly still present at the location.
CrossCountry rail services running between Nuneaton and Leicester have been halted.
This is due to the consequences of the vehicle striking the bridge.
The A5 stays blocked in both directions.
Today’s collision marks the most recent incident in a string of occurrences at the troublesome bridge.
The crossing has long carried the reputation of being among Britain’s most frequently struck structures, owing to the numerous large vehicles becoming wedged beneath it.
Indeed, during 2019/2020, it held the unenviable position of the country’s most collided-with bridge after vehicles struck it on 25 occasions.
While it has not retained that distinction, Network Rail has stated it remains among the most impacted bridges nationwide, with nine incidents recorded throughout the past year.
Current traffic mapping from Google illustrates the extent of the closure, demonstrating how congestion is building across the surrounding road network, including along the A5 towards Nuneaton and Atherstone.
Sources indicate the bridge was struck by a goods vehicle at approximately 10am.
Both police officers and highways personnel are reportedly in attendance.
Because the vehicle remains trapped, both sides of the carriageway have been sealed off.