Network Rail reported that the bridge was struck 22 times between April 2024 and March 2025, the highest in the country. Across Britain, 1,666 bridge strikes were recorded, leading to more than 120 days of delays and costing an estimated £12 million.
Work to lower the road under the bridge is set to start on 5 May 2025, funded by developer Mountpark. The lowering will take two weeks during summer holidays, part of wider works expected to take up to a year. The plan was approved in June 2023 when permission was granted for a logistics park.
During works, a 40mph speed limit will be imposed on the A5 between Hammonds Way and Dodwells Road, with possible overnight closures from 20:00 to 06:00. Diversions will route traffic via the M69, M6 and M42. The works also include new signal-controlled site access, upgrades to Dodwells Roundabout, and enhanced pedestrian and cycle connectivity.