Leicestershire’s ‘most bashed bridge’ hit again in yet another crash
Leicestershire's 'most bashed bridge'[1] was hit once again today (Monday, November 11) after a lorry collided with it. The incident in Hinckley[2] caused traffic disruption and lengthy delays for drivers on surrounding routes.
First reports of the collision came at around 2.30pm when Leicestershire Police[3] closed off the A5 in both directions between the Coventry Road/Dodwells Road roundabout and Nutts Lane roundabout. The incident had seen a lorry strike 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[4], delaying 246 trains in total as well as thousands of motorists. This latest incident saw drivers once again urged to avoid the area.
Leicestershire Police closed the road at around 2pm today (Image: Supplied)
The notorious nature of the bashed bridge has led a wide range of reactions from Leicestershire[6] residents - some of whom tried to see the funny side. One said: "Got to hand it to the builders, that's one sturdy bridge."
A second said: "The structure of that bridge can’t be 100 per cent by now surely?" A third said: “A lot of us think it’s time something was done before someone gets seriously hurt - it’s just a matter of time."
There are long-term hopes that issues along the A5 could eventually be solved. Last month, the new Transport Secretary even acknowledged that the bridge "needs some attention"[7] following a spate of incidents this year.
However, work on that resolution will not include the lowering of the A5 itself. Officials have previously dismissed the idea, saying it would only make things worse[8] and could increase the risk of flooding in the area.
We are now bringing you the latest updates on WhatsApp first[9]
References
- ^ 'most bashed bridge' (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Hinckley (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Leicestershire Police (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ was struck 88 times (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ School dinner lady wins big on People's Postcode Lottery - and wants to buy a mattress (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Leicestershire (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ "needs some attention" (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ only make things worse (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ We are now bringing you the latest updates on WhatsApp first (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)