Motorists travelling near Cirencester will encounter a substantial 30-mile diversion due to resurfacing work on a short section of the B4425 and an adjacent road. The work, intended to improve the carriageway, will result in the temporary closure of a two-mile stretch of the B4425 near The Pig hotel in the Cotswolds, as well as a one-mile closure on an unnamed road connecting Welsh Way to Roman Road.
These closures will be in effect from Friday 25 September until Wednesday 7 October, operating daily between 9.30am and 3.30pm, excluding weekends when the roads will be open. Despite the relatively brief distance undergoing resurfacing, the detour advised by Gloucestershire County Council’s Highways department significantly extends travel distances.
The recommended diversion begins at the junction of Sheephouse Lane and the B4425, proceeds west to Stow Road, then continues northeast along the A429 Stow Road to Northleach. From there, it travels eastbound on the A40 to Upton, before heading south along the B4425 through Aldsworth and Arlington, rejoining the route beyond the closure. This diversion is expected to increase journey times by approximately 45 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
READ MORE: GP advises a simple morning habit to boost health and wellbeing
READ MORE: Expert Highlights Early Metabolic Sign of Dementia Detectable 15 Years in Advance
While shorter alternative routes may exist, the designated diversion is considered the most suitable for all vehicles requiring roads of a similar classification. A letter issued to local residents by the council’s Highways team emphasised the necessity of the closures to ensure the safety of both workers and the public. It also explained that, under the Temporary Traffic Order authorised by the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, no vehicles are permitted on the closed roads during working hours except for emergency services and statutory undertakers responding to emergencies.
Residents who usually drive through these roads during closure times are advised to seek alternative travel arrangements. The council has scheduled the surfacing works to minimise inconvenience and complete the project as swiftly as possible.