Zouch Bridge replacement project begins

The project involves the new bridge being built parallel to the existing bridge and then manoeuvred into place.

Preliminary work has started on the replacement of a 90-year-old bridge in Zouch.

The bridge which spans the River Soar needs to be replaced as it is deteriorating. 

On safety grounds, there’s currently an 18-tonne weight restriction in place to prevent HGVs from travelling over it.

The county council has set aside £19.5m to carry out the work, with £7.5m towards the essential capital works coming from the Leicester and Leicestershire Business Rates Pool following an unsuccessful bid to the previous Government for ‘levelling up’ funds.

Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, county council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “The A6006 is a key east/west route across the county which provides a vital function, not least for business links to East Midlands Airport and Freeport developments.

“We’ve spent thousands of pounds on reactive repairs over the years and that’s not sustainable given the condition of the bridge.

“We’re working closely with our contractors to ensure that people are kept well informed about the progress of the work and that we’ll work together to minimise any disruption to road users.”

The project involves the new bridge being built parallel to the existing bridge and then manoeuvred into place on a re-aligned section of the A6006.

The existing structure will remain open while the new bridge is being built to limit motorists and other road users facing lengthy road closures and diversions.