Residents and officials near Gloucester are growing increasingly frustrated over delays in opening vital road improvements designed to support the growing Hunts Grove housing development near junction 12 of the M5 at Quedgeley.
Although the A38 junction works were completed last year, the flyover, southbound slip road on the B4008, and the access roundabout adjacent to Hunts Grove remain unopened. These delays are causing concerns about traffic flow and access for thousands of new homes in the area.
At Gloucestershire County Council’s meeting on June 24, Conservative councillor Stephen Davies, representing Hardwick and Severn, raised the issue directly. He criticized the lack of clarity and progress, stating that despite assurances of close collaboration between highways officers and the developer Crest Nicholson, communication seems limited to a frustrating exchange of emails.
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“The roundabout has been ready to open since December, complete with lights, yet it remains closed due to unresolved agreements,” Davies explained. “Both highways and Crest have work to do, but no one is clearly defining responsibilities or moving forward.”
He added that while Crest has provided engineering reports confirming the flyover’s safety, Gloucestershire County Council remains unconvinced, prolonging the dispute. After sending an inquiry on June 12, Davies said he has yet to receive a response from the cabinet member responsible.
Davies called for a direct meeting with the highways cabinet member and the developer to end the stalemate. Highways cabinet member Mark Harris responded affirmatively to his request, agreeing to arrange and attend a meeting to find solutions.
Crest Nicholson expressed their commitment to completing the works promptly and welcomed the prospect of meeting with council members and officers to resolve any remaining issues.
“Following the successful completion of the A38 junction works on schedule last year, we remain dedicated to working with Gloucestershire County Council to progress the flyover, slip road (B4008), and access roundabout,” the developer stated. “We are focused on delivering these works as soon as possible and welcome the opportunity to resolve any outstanding concerns with the council.”
As the community awaits progress, the resolution of these delayed infrastructure projects is becoming critical for the future connectivity and growth of the Hunts Grove area near Gloucester.