Immediate weight restriction put on bridge because of 'safety grounds'

Drivers are being told to use the A46 and A6 instead.

The county council has put an immediate weight restriction in place on a road bridge on the A6006 in Zouch to prevent vehicles exceeding 18 tonnes (gross vehicle weight) from travelling over it.

Following the deterioration in its condition, the bridge had its load-carrying capacity tested and the council has now restricted the weight on the structure.

The restriction takes effect on Zouch Road, Hathern; Main Street, Zouch; Rempstone Road, Normanton-on-Soar; Melton Road, Stanford-on-Soar, and Ashby Road, Rempstone. 

Temporary signs are now in place making drivers aware of the restriction and advising them to use routes on the A46 and A6.

Earlier this month, the council revealed their plans to bid for the Government’s Levelling Up Fund for up to £20m so the bridge on the A6006 can be replaced. 

Councillor Ozzy O' Shea, the cabinet member for highways and transport, said: " We’re taking this action to ensure public safety while we bid for the money from Government.

"The council itself can’t afford to replace this vital asset and it’s another example of the significant financial pressures which the council is experiencing across all areas."

If successful with the funding bid the new bridge will be built to the south of the existing bridge, which was built in 1930.