Traffic congestion on the routes into and out of Gloucester from the Forest of Dean has prompted renewed calls for a new River Severn crossing south of Over Bridge. This persistent “nightmare” for commuters and businesses has been highlighted amid current roadworks causing significant disruptions.
The idea of constructing an additional road bridge has been considered previously, with support from Members of Parliament and district councils on both sides of the river. As far back as 2006, Gloucestershire County Council explored possible bridge locations including 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. However, the estimated costs, ranging between £57 million and £158 million, far exceeded available budgets at the time.
Today, lane restrictions on the A40 at Over, necessitated by essential repair works from National Highways, underline the vital importance of this route for the county and the wider region. With district council leaders facing government mandates to identify land for an additional 13,000 homes in the Forest of Dean over the next two decades, concerns have mounted that without a new crossing, traffic issues will intensify.
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Councillor John Francis, representing Longhope and Huntley, described the current roadworks' impact as “horrendous” for residents travelling down the A48 and A40, affecting not only people from Churcham but also those from further afield in the Forest. He emphasised the significant economic consequences, noting the knock-on effects on local businesses likely running into millions. For Councillor Francis, a new road bridge stands as the only sustainable long-term solution.
He advocates for a crossing near Purton, tracing the route of the old Severn Railway Bridge, which historically connected Lydney to Sharpness. The railway bridge was destroyed in 1960 after collisions with river barges, and despite initial consideration for repairs, it was ultimately dismantled due to ongoing risks and cost.
Supporting this proposal, Westbury-on-Severn councillor Simon Phelps stressed the importance of considering such infrastructure alongside plans for 13,000 new homes. He expressed reservations about other suggested locations, such as from Minsterworth to Elmore, citing the extensive engineering challenges and increased distances required to link to major roads like the A38 and M5.
Councillor Phelps also highlighted broader regional transport issues, including traffic problems at Chepstow and on routes between Coleford and Monmouth, noting that existing bridges and roadways in these areas are similarly inadequate.
Meanwhile, Lydney East councillor Alan Preest has long championed a new crossing near the former Apple Tree Inn at Minsterworth, connecting to the area south of Quedgeley. He proposes a complementary park and ride facility near Elton Corner to alleviate congestion. However, he expressed scepticism about the feasibility of such projects due to funding shortages, remarking on the currently “bloody nightmare” conditions in Gloucester traffic.
Cinderford councillor Ray Donaghue echoed the consensus that infrastructure investment is urgently needed but lamented the lack of available funding. He emphasised the critical link between housing growth and employment opportunities, warning that without substantial infrastructure and local industry, commuting challenges will worsen. “The time for building infrastructure is 20 or 30 years overdue,” he stated.
Gloucestershire County Council clarified that discussions regarding a new bridge have not been active within Shire Hall, suggesting such projects would likely fall under the responsibilities of National Highways or a future strategic regional authority. Nonetheless, with continued residential expansion and growing traffic pressures, the call for new infrastructure remains strong among local leaders and residents alike.