Preliminary work is now underway to replace a 90-year-old bridge over the River Soar, marking a significant infrastructure project in Zouch near Loughborough.
- The bridge replacement is driven by safety concerns as the current structure imposes an 18-tonne weight limit, restricting HGV usage.
- Leicestershire County Council has designated Eric Wright Civil Engineering to execute the £19.5 million project.
- Construction involves parallel building of the new bridge and strategic road realignment to minimise disruption.
- Key stages include using a jacking system for construction due to overhead cable constraints, with completion set for early 2027.
Initiating the much-needed replacement of the old bridge over the River Soar is a project that has been anticipated due to the existing bridge’s declining condition. The current weight restriction of 18 tonnes has rendered it unsuitable for heavy goods vehicles, affecting local commerce and transport links. In response, Eric Wright Civil Engineering has been contracted by Leicestershire County Council to embark on this £19.5 million venture, ensuring the new structure supports increasing traffic demands.
The construction strategy is designed to alleviate disruption by maintaining the flow of traffic on the existing bridge while the new one is being erected. The project plan includes building the new bridge alongside the current one, allowing seamless transition later. This plan also benefits from aligning the new road sections directly to the A6006, an important route connecting local businesses and the East Midlands Airport.
Councillor Ozzy O’Shea highlighted the significance of this route: ‘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.’ The statement underscores the importance of this undertaking, reflecting the council’s commitment to improving infrastructure sustainably, having spent significantly on repairs before opting for a complete replacement.
Key technological adaptations are part of the construction plan, given the unique challenge presented by overhead high-voltage cables. Instead of cranes, a precision jacking system will manoeuvre the bridge into place, showcasing innovative problem-solving in civil engineering. Additionally, environmental compliance dictates a suspension of work during the harsh winter months, delaying the progression until the following spring, a necessary pause to safeguard spawning sites in the river.
Initial actions include constructing cofferdams that will support the bridge piers, marking a critical step towards ensuring the structural integrity of the new bridge. The work schedule aligns with stringent environmental and safety standards set by the Environment Agency, highlighting a commitment to ecological responsibility alongside infrastructural advancement. Completion is anticipated by early 2027, promising a robust solution to the present limitations.
The replacement of the bridge over the River Soar is set to enhance regional connectivity and safety, with completion expected by early 2027.
