Motorists and residents near Cheltenham face further disruption as the long-running closure of a section of the A40 near Hambrook Bridge will now extend beyond Christmas. Originally closed in September for vital bridge repairs, hopes that a lane would reopen ahead of the busy holiday season have been dashed.
The closure on London Road in Charlton Kings has resulted in a 12-mile diversion, causing frustration among drivers and locals alike. Officials had planned to introduce temporary two-way traffic signals after November, but unforeseen challenges have prevented any lane openings.
Gloucestershire County Council’s highways department confirmed that persistent poor ground conditions and severe weather—impacting progress with two named storms—have delayed excavation and concrete work. The specialist clearance needed to deal with 7.5 meters of sand beneath the bridge has proven more complex than anticipated.
“With the nature of the remaining repairs, operating under temporary traffic lights is no longer practical,” the council stated. Maintaining a full closure allows workers to operate more safely and efficiently, which is expected to help complete the project sooner than previously forecast.
In addition to repairing the bridge structure, the works include upgrading the drainage system to improve its future resilience. The council assured the public that the teams are working “as quickly as possible” to safeguard the bridge and restore safe access.
The Hambrook Bridge, also known locally as Spring Bridge, suffered severe damage after a collapse last year. Its heritage status has required a carefully specialized design approach to balance preservation with modern safety and functionality standards.
While the ongoing full closure will inconvenience travelers during the holiday period, it aims to ensure the successful long-term rehabilitation of this vital crossing. Completion of the project is still targeted for early in the new year.