Developer in talks to fix ‘most bashed’ UK bridge
LOWERING ROAD POSSIBLE AS PART OF 150-ACRE INDUSTRIAL SITE PLAN
MORE details have emerged about plans to lower the section of the A5 which goes under the “most-bashed bridge in Britain”.
The railway bridge near Hinckley was given the name last year after it was hit by tall vehicles on average once a fortnight.
Developer Mountpark is considering filing a planning application for a 150-acre industrial hub to the south of the A5, at Padge Hall Farm, and the group is in talks with Highways England about the possibility of it funding a package of upgrades on the road, as part of the scheme.
A spokesman said: “Our plans will increase the height clearance of Britain’s most-bashed bridge by lowering the carriageway across a 200metre stretch of the A5, thereby removing the cause of regular accidents and congestion.
“The scheme also includes measures to address the flooding problems around the bridge.
“The design principles for these improvement works have been agreed with and supported by Highways England and Network Rail, and do not prejudice long-term aspirations to widen the existing A5.”
The business hub would comprise distribution and industrial buildings, along with up to 136,350 sq m of office space.
Vehicles would access the site via a new traffic signal-controlled T-junction on the A5, near the bridge.
Separate improvements are also proposed at the Dodwells Island roundabout, a key junction which links the A5 to the 447 perimeter road and Coventry Road.
The Mountpark spokesman said: “We are in early discussions with the relevant local authorities about the emerging planning application, and are preparing to undertake a full public consultation on our draft proposals in due course.
“The application will include details of an occupier for some of the proposed employment space. We look forward to working with residents and stakeholders to ensure our plans deliver lasting benefits.”
The Mountpark development would be mostly in Rugby borough, with parts in Hinckley and Bosworth and Nuneaton and Bedworth.