A scheme designed to prevent lorries from striking a railway bridge on the A5 Watling Street, near Hinckley in Leicestershire, has faced further delays. The bridge has been hit by tall vehicles 26 times since March 2025, with the most recent incident occurring on Tuesday.
Developer Mountpark had agreed to lower the road by 51cm (1.67ft) to increase clearance for tall vehicles, a condition of planning permission granted in June 2023 for a nearby logistics park. While Mountpark had aimed to start this work in May, Network Rail has confirmed it has not yet approved the proposal.
Mountpark now intends to commence work on other elements of a £10m package of measures along the A5, while awaiting approval for the road lowering. These works include a new signal-controlled site access, upgrades to Dodwells Roundabout, and enhanced pedestrian and cycle connectivity.
Full overnight road closures are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday on the A5 between the Dodwells Roundabout and Sketchley Roundabout. These closures are to establish traffic management for an estimated 42-week construction programme, which will involve further road closures and off-peak traffic management.