FOI release

Structural and Utility Records - Swinford Road Overbridge (M1/142.5)

Case reference EIR2026/00399

Received 16 March 2026

Published 17 June 2026

Request

I am writing to request information under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 regarding the highway structure that carries Swinford Road over the M1 motorway.

Location Details:

• Structure: Swinford Road Overbridge, Lutterworth.

• Motorway Location: M1, approximate milepost 142.5 (between Junctions 19 and 20)

• GPS Coordinates: 52°26'31.41"N, 1°11'35.39"W I am specifically seeking information regarding private water network pipes or utility conduits that traverse or are attached to this bridge.

Please provide the following recorded information:

  • As-built Drawings:

Final construction diagrams showing the location, size, and type of service ducts or pipe hangers integrated into the bridge.

  • Legal Agreements:

Copies of any Wayleave Agreements, Easements, or Licenses granted for private water pipes to cross this structure.

  • Maintenance Responsibility:

Records or correspondence clarifying the division of repair obligations between National Highways and the pipe owner.

  • Inspection Records:

The most recent Principal or General Inspection reports specifically mentioning the condition of these utility services or their supports.

  • Risk Assessments:

Any documentation regarding environmental permits or safety assessments related to water pipe failure at this location.

Response

Information provided

  • As-built Drawings:

Final construction diagrams showing the location, size, and type of service ducts or pipe hangers integrated into the bridge. Please see the attached documents titled:

• 318 ob std01 36-45_Redacted

• 318 ob std01 rd obs_Redacted

• 318 ob std01 serv duct_Redacted

• 318 outline 02_Redacted • m1 137.5 ( 318 ) swinford rd deck refurb 1989

• m1 137.5 ( 318 ) swinford rd ga 1962

These are the original drawings from 1960s. Please note that the designer Owen Williams used “standardised” bridge designs. Please also note that the deck refurb drawing ( safety fence addition in 1989 ) states “superseded” but it is the only one we hold.

There are no “pipe hangers” we are aware of at this bridge.

  • Inspection Records:

The most recent Principal or General Inspection reports specifically mentioning the condition of these utility services or their supports. Please see the attached documents titled:

• m1 137.5 ( 318 ) pi 21feb2025 1of2 pg 0001-059_Redacted

• m1 137.5 ( 318 ) pi 21feb2025 2of2 pg 060-133

Personal information has been withheld under Regulation 13 of the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.

Information not held

  • Legal Agreements:

Copies of any Wayleave Agreements, Easements, or Licenses granted for private water pipes to cross this structure.

  • Maintenance Responsibility:

Records or correspondence clarifying the division of repair obligations between National Highways and the pipe owner.

  • Risk Assessments:

Any documentation regarding environmental permits or safety assessments related to water pipe failure at this location.

I have established that National Highways does not hold this information, and as such this part of your request has been refused under Regulation 12(4)(a) of the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 as information not held.

Advice and Assistance

Please note that with regard to question 2 we are not aware of an “private water pipes” crossing this bridge.

Documents

This is National Highways' response to a freedom of information (FOI) or environmental information regulations (EIR) request.

You can browse our other responses or make a new FOI request.