New bridge opens to drivers in Zouch

Drivers can now use the new £19.6 million Zouch Bridge, over the A6006 near Hathern.

The reopening to local traffic and bus services from Monday 6th July marks a major milestone for the project, restoring a key link between Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire. 

The opening was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by the Leader of Leicestershire County Council, Dan Harrison, Chairman of the County Council Linda Danks, representatives from main contractor Eric Wright Civil Engineering and local schoolchildren.

The previous bridge, built in 1930, had reached the end of its working life. The replacement has been designed to provide a modern, reliable crossing that will serve local communities, businesses and visitors for decades to come.

Building the new bridge presented a number of engineering challenges. Because of overhead high-voltage power lines, the bridge could not be lifted into place using cranes. Instead, steel beams were moved 36 metres across the River Soar using a specialist jacking system.

The project has also included the construction of new approach roads and almost 500 metres of new carriageway.

As well as improving transport links, the scheme has delivered wider benefits for local communities.

More than 400 students have taken part in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) activities linked to the project, helping inspire the next generation of engineers.

The project has also generated £2.8 million of spending with local businesses, created employment opportunities and supported community organisations through donations to the Peter Le Marchant Trust and Loughborough Boat Club.

With the new bridge now open, work will continue to safely demolish the old bridge and complete the remaining elements of the scheme. The overall project is expected to finish in autumn 2026.

The full A6006 route between the A6 in Leicestershire and the A60 in Nottinghamshire will reopen once Network Rail completes work on nearby Kirk Hill Bridge, which is expected later in July. Until then, through traffic and HGVs should continue to follow the signed diversion routes.