Commuters using the A40 Over roundabout near Gloucester should prepare for significant travel delays, as vital repairs to the River Severn bridge are set to last nine months and could double journey times.
The Gloucestershire County Council revealed these concerns during a meeting on May 26, where local hospital officials faced questions about how they plan to manage the expected traffic chaos. The Over bridge — a crucial section of the dual carriageway connecting Gloucester and Cheltenham to the Forest of Dean, Ross, and Wales — sees approximately 5,000 vehicles per hour during peak periods.
National Highways will invest £7 million to carry out essential maintenance on the 1970s-built bridge. The work will include concrete repairs, new waterproofing, and improved drainage systems, all designed to extend the structure’s lifespan and minimize future emergency closures. However, these necessary upgrades will bring unavoidable disruptions.
READ MORE: Kaleb Cooper ‘Furious’ Over Jeremy Clarkson’s Controversial Farm Addition
READ MORE: Lloyds Bank to Relocate Cheltenham Town Centre Branch
The repair work is scheduled to begin in June 2026 and continue until March 2027. Preparations start on June 8 with the installation of a site compound on the verge near the A417 Over Causeway, causing the closure of a slip road for the duration. The comprehensive repairs will follow from June 29, involving lane closures, contraflows, and a reduced speed limit of 30 mph for safety. Some overnight closures with clear diversion routes will also be necessary to maintain traffic flow.
Councillor Julia Gooch (Progressive Independents) expressed concerns about the impact on Forest of Dean residents attending medical appointments and commuting for work. She asked if more appointments could be offered at the Forest hospital to reduce travel disruption.
In response, Al Sheward, Chief Operating Officer at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, confirmed that the trust has begun assessing travel patterns for patients and staff affected by the delays. He acknowledged that travel times could potentially double and noted that the ambulance service is also evaluating challenges posed by the single-lane road in the area. A detailed plan is expected by the end of next week.
Traffic management aims to minimize disruption through phased approaches, including CCTV monitoring and a free recovery service. Temporary traffic lights at Over Roundabout will be introduced if needed. Access for residents and businesses will be maintained, though some right-turn movements will be temporarily restricted, requiring short detours via other roundabouts. The eastbound bus lane will remain operational as part of the temporary road changes.
With nearly a year of roadworks ahead, authorities are urging drivers to plan accordingly and stay informed about scheduled closures and diversions to reduce inconvenience during this crucial infrastructure improvement.