Live Leicestershire updates as notorious A5 bridge in Hinckley struck yet again
A warning to drivers was issued this morning after the A5 near Hinckley[1] was shut in both directions due to a lorry striking the notorious A5 bridge. Leicestershire Police[2] announced the closure between Hammonds Way roundabout and the roundabout with the A47 and Coventry Road on Friday morning (January 31). Officers had urged motorists to find alternative routes following the incident. The force issued a statement on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, at 9.52am confirming the road's closure.
The bridge has become infamous for frequent collisions in recent years, with National Highways revealing it was struck 88 times between 2017 and 2022. Each strike reportedly costs the economy up to GBP20 million[4], while causing severe disruption to both rail and road users. According to National Highways, plans to address the ongoing issue could begin this spring[5].
The proposed work includes lowering the road under the A5 Watling Street bridge near Padge Hall Farm[6].
Number of bridge strikes this year
2
Last updated: Friday, January 31
We are now bringing you the latest updates on WhatsApp first[7]
References
- ^ Hinckley (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Leicestershire Police (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Crash on key route near Narborough Road causes long delays (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ economy up to GBP20 million (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ could begin this spring (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Padge Hall Farm (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ We are now bringing you the latest updates on WhatsApp first (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)