Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Hinckley and Bosworth, said "Pleased to share that work to lower the road under the Watling Street bridge - Britain's most bashed bridge - will take place this summer, with restrictions due to start from the 5th of May.

"Our area has been waiting for so long to get the issue of the Watling Street bridge sorted, I'm proud to have played my part in finally getting this work underway.

"The temporary traffic order from National Highways grants the ability to close the road on the A5 from the roundabout at Hammonds Way just before the bridge, to Dodwells roundabout. I have been assured that this will take place over a short period of a couple of weeks during the summer holidays. As ever, I will share an update on when this closure will take place as soon as I know more.

"Importantly, diversions for HGVs will be clearly signed via the M69, M6 and M42. Roads such as Nutts Lane are not suitable for lorries. If you see any instances of this please email me with details, and I'll raise it with the relevant company.

"There will be disruption while these works take place, but I'm sure we can all agree that sorting this bridge is long overdue.

"This is short-term pain for long-term gain.

"Securing these improvements will make a huge difference for our community, not just to those who use the A5 but to people in Hinckley, Burbage, Higham-on-the-Hill, Wykin and the surrounding areas that get turned into a rat run every time the bridge is hit."