Motorists navigating the A38 near Gloucester are experiencing severe delays as roadworks continue longer than initially anticipated. Recent aerial footage vividly captures the extensive traffic congestion affecting not only the A38 south of Gloucester but also surrounding roads and the M5 near junction 12.
Since late spring, the B4008 Bristol Road has been closed at the A38 flyover to facilitate the construction of a new junction for the Hunts Grove estate, with work scheduled to last until mid-December 2025. This closure has led to widespread disruption, diverting thousands of vehicles onto narrow residential streets including Pound Lane, Green Lane, Church Lane, and Sellars Road.
Local resident and campaigner Andy Clarke, who operates The Phobic Flyer YouTube channel, has highlighted the scale of the disruptions through his videos. On November 6th at 8:30 am, Clarke described Pound Lane as resembling a “parking lot” due to the gridlock. He has raised concerns about serious issues resulting from the diversion, including accidents, threats to public safety, property damage, excessive noise, and restricted access for residents. Emergency services have also faced challenges reaching affected areas amid the congestion.
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A spokesperson from Crest Nicholson, overseeing the works, confirmed that the B4008 closure will remain in effect until December 19, 2025, citing safety as the priority. They attributed the delays to unforeseen complications such as a National Grid power issue, discrepancies in utility mapping, and rescheduling of slip road work on the A38. These factors have contributed to prolonged construction timelines beyond their control.
The ongoing roadworks continue to test the patience of motorists and residents alike, underscoring the complex challenges involved in major infrastructure upgrades.