Bridge Repair Work Underway After Late-Night BMW Crash in Lechlade

Strategic Insights -

Work has commenced to repair a bridge in Lechlade, near Swindon, that was severely damaged in a late-night BMW crash, causing significant traffic delays. The incident occurred on May 22, around 10:10 pm, when a white BMW 5 Series crashed into the bridge wall, causing the front end of the vehicle to hang over the edge of the drop. The driver fled the scene before police arrived, and an investigation is ongoing to identify them. The road remains closed due to safety concerns, and repair work is expected to take several weeks.

Key Takeaways:

  • The bridge in Lechlade was damaged on May 22, around 10:10 pm, when a BMW 5 Series crashed into the wall, causing the front end of the vehicle to hang over the edge of the drop.
  • The driver of the BMW fled the scene before police arrived, and an investigation is ongoing to identify them.
  • The road has remained closed since the incident, with initial 'road closed' police signs being put in place on May 23.
  • More robust fencing has been added along the road after drivers ignored the closure signs.
  • Repair work has begun, with contractors working to rebuild the wall, which is expected to take several weeks.
  • The bridge had undergone extensive repair work just six months prior to the incident, causing long diversions for commuters.
  • Skid marks left by the BMW driver have been covered over with building materials.
  • Debris from the crash, including plastic car parts, has been removed.

Statistics:

  • The incident occurred on May 22, 2023.
  • The road has been closed for over three weeks, with no estimated reopening date.
  • The bridge wall is being rebuilt, with repair work expected to take several weeks.
  • The driver of the BMW fled the scene, while the police investigation is ongoing.
  • The bridge was reopened to the public just six months prior to the incident after undergoing extensive repair work.

Sources:

  • [Sarah Dalton, Swindon Advertiser, "Bridge repair work underway after late-night BMW crash", date unknown]