The ongoing traffic difficulties experienced by residents travelling into and out of Gloucester from the Forest of Dean have brought renewed attention to the long-standing proposal for a new crossing over the River Severn south of Over Bridge.
The idea of constructing an additional road bridge has previously been raised by members of Parliament and district councils located on both sides of the river. Back in 2006, Gloucestershire County Council examined options for new bridges including routes from Minsterworth to Cole Avenue in Gloucester, Minsterworth to junction 12 of the M5 at Hardwicke, and Westbury-on-Severn to junction 13 of the M5 at Whitminster.
Despite their potential, these projects were hindered by substantial costs ranging from £57 million to £158 million, which were beyond the financial capabilities of the local authorities at the time. However, nearly twenty years later, current lane restrictions on the A40 at Over, caused by essential repair works being carried out by National Highways, highlight just how crucial this route remains for Gloucestershire and the wider region.
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The situation is made more pressing by the Government’s requirement for district councils in the Forest of Dean to identify land for 13,000 new homes to be built over the next twenty years. Many councillors have expressed concern that without a new river crossing, existing traffic issues will only escalate.
Councillor John Francis, representing Longhope and Huntley, described the present roadworks as having a “horrendous impact on people in Churcham and across the Forest travelling along the A48 and A40.” He warned that the disruption is causing significant problems for local businesses and noted that the wider economic effects could amount to millions of pounds.
Councillor Francis advocates for the construction of an additional road bridge as the only viable long-term solution. He proposes a crossing along the former route of the Severn Railway Bridge at Purton, a link that once connected Lydney to Sharpness. The bridge collapsed following a collision with river barges in 1960 and was subsequently demolished after similar damage the following year. This idea aligns with the Gloucestershire 2050 vision.
Supporting this proposal, Westbury-on-Severn councillor Simon Phelps emphasised that the prospect of 13,000 new homes in the district makes considering a new crossing near Purton essential. He argued that other suggested locations, stretching from Minsterworth to Elmore, would demand extensive engineering work and that the distances to major routes such as the A38 and M5 would compromise their viability.
Councillor Phelps also pointed to traffic challenges at nearby areas such as Chepstow and between Coleford and Monmouth, noting limited capacity on existing bridges and less-than-ideal routes out towards Ross-on-Wye.
Meanwhile, Lydney East councillor Alan Preest has long supported developing a new crossing near the former Apple Tree Inn at Minsterworth, connecting south of Quedgeley. He also suggested a park and ride facility near Elton Corner as an alternative traffic management strategy. Reflecting on earlier considerations of these proposals two decades ago, he expressed scepticism about their realisation, citing a consistent lack of funding.
Councillor Preest highlighted the severe congestion in Gloucester, urging local commuters to consider rail travel, which can offer a journey of approximately 20 minutes between Lydney and Gloucester compared to possibly an hour by car. He acknowledged the complexity of the issue and stressed that the region is significantly behind in infrastructure development.
Echoing these sentiments, Cinderford Councillor Ray Donaghue stressed the urgent need for infrastructure investment but lamented the chronic shortage of funds. He noted the challenge posed by the planned housing developments, emphasising that without substantial local employment opportunities and corresponding infrastructure, commuting pressures would intensify.
“People need to be living and working here,” Councillor Donaghue remarked. “If the population is to increase, we must build the necessary infrastructure. The time for such developments was 20 or 30 years ago.”
Gloucestershire County Council stated that plans for a new bridge have not recently been discussed at Shire Hall and that such projects would likely fall under the responsibility of National Highways or a prospective future strategic authority.