A40 Gloucester Bridge Repair Continues as Schools Prepare to Reopen

Gloucestershire County Council has issued a travel advisory for parents anticipating the return of children to school next month. National Highways is undertaking essential repair works on the A40 overbridge near Gloucester, which are set to continue throughout the school term and are likely to cause traffic delays, particularly during the morning rush hours.

Currently, the eastbound carriageway between Over Farm and Over Roundabout remains closed until October. A contraflow system is in place on the westbound side of the bridge, permitting one lane of traffic in each direction, with a mandatory 30mph speed limit enforced.

The council has urged families to carefully plan their journeys and consider alternative routes to mitigate potential delays as school commences. In a statement posted on Facebook, Gloucestershire County Council said:

“As families prepare for the start of a new school year, we acknowledge that increased traffic volumes combined with ongoing roadworks may affect journey times. We appreciate residents' patience and understanding during this vital refurbishment work by National Highways. To help avoid delays, please plan your journeys in advance and consider alternative routes where possible. For the latest updates and frequently asked questions, please visit the National Highways website.”

Diversion routes have been clearly signposted. Notably, westbound drivers will be unable to turn right into Over Farm, Toby Carvery, or Horseshoe Drive and must instead use Highnam Roundabout to turn around. The diversion routes are reversed for eastbound traffic. Drivers are advised to follow the signed diversion signs rather than relying on satnav devices.

National Highways emphasises that the repair work aims to extend the lifespan of the bridge, reducing the likelihood of emergency closures in the future, thereby ensuring safer and more reliable travel on this route.