Second phase of bridge replacement project to start

The next phase of work to replace a 90-year-old bridge on the Leicestershire-Nottinghamshire border is set to begin.

Leicestershire County Council said Zouch Bridge, which takes the A6006 over the River Soar, had been "slowly deteriorating" and preliminary work for the £19.5m project got under way in July.

A new works compound is to be installed next month along with a new access track and ground preparation for the equipment, which will help to assemble the bridge.

The scheme will see the existing 80m (262ft) bridge demolished, the new structure built next to it and the road re-aligned to allow the new route to open in early 2027.

The first phase involved the building of coffer dams on both sides of the river to create watertight areas to install the bridge piers.

The authority said the public right of way, which crosses the site, will be closed during the next phase.

This will be re-routed and the revised footpath will be opened when the scheme is completed.

The old approach roads in Zouch village will also be removed to allow the ground to be landscaped, the council added.

Ozzy O'Shea, county council cabinet member for highways and transport, said the bridge, which was built in 1930 and links the two counties, was a "vital function" for business links to East Midlands Airport and Freeport developments.

"This is an ambitious project on a key route," he said. "Things are starting to take shape and we are looking forward to seeing work continue to progress.

"Disruption is being minimised wherever possible and we will be reducing the national speed limit on a small section of the A6006 to 30mph from 10 February, to protect our workforce during construction.

"There will also be some road closures at points, which will be carefully programmed in and kept to a minimum, whilst essential work takes place."

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