Leicestershire’s ‘most bashed bridge’ hit once again as crash closes road

Leicestershire's 'most bashed bridge' was hit once again last night (Saturday, September 7) after a lorry became wedged following a collision. The A5 in Hinckley ^[1] was shut for nearly three hours amid the latest incident.

First reports of the bashing came at around 8pm when Leicestershire Police ^[2] closed off the A5 in both directions between the Coventry Road/Dodwells Road roundabout and Nutts Lane roundabout. The incident had seen a lorry become wedged under the notorious bridge which became the UK's 'most bashed' in 2020.

In the five years up to September 2022, the bridge was struck 88 times ^[3], delaying 246 trains in total as well as thousands of motorists. Last night's incident saw drivers once again urged to avoid the area.

Hinckley Police were among those at the scene following the latest bashing. They described the situation as "Oh dear oh dear" to their online followers.

The latest incident prompted a wider - and somewhat humorous take - on events from Leicestershire residents. One said: "They really should put some height warning signs up. Oh wait a minute there are loads of them and a professional driver should know the height of their trailer."

A second said: "That bridge needs sponsoring by Specsavers!"

There are long-term hopes that issues along the A5 could eventually be solved. However, officials have previously dismissed ideas of lowering the road, saying it would only make things worse ^[5] and could increase the risk of flooding in the area.

Officials also believed any alterations to the bridge could make the become impassable ^[6]. They feared this would increase congestion and pressure on surrounding roads.

No injuries were reported from the latest bridge bashing. Leicestershire Police confirmed that the A5 had reopened just before 10.30pm.

We are now bringing you the latest updates on WhatsApp first ^[7]

References

^{^} Hinckley (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
^{^} Leicestershire Police (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
^{^} was struck 88 times (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
^{^} All the road closures ahead of 805-year-old Ashby Statutes fair return (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
^{^} only make things worse (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
^{^} become impassable (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
^{^} We are now bringing you the latest updates on WhatsApp first (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)