Commuters using the A40 Over roundabout near Gloucester should prepare for significant delays as essential repairs to the Over Bridge are set to cause up to nine months of major disruption. The Gloucestershire County Council revealed at a recent meeting that travel times along this crucial route connecting Gloucester, Cheltenham, the Forest of Dean, Ross, and Wales could double once work begins next month.
The Over Bridge, a dual carriageway crossing over the River Severn built in the 1970s, carries approximately 5,000 vehicles per hour at peak times. National Highways will invest £7 million in vital upkeep, including concrete repairs, enhanced waterproofing, and improved drainage, aiming to extend the bridge’s lifespan and minimize emergency maintenance closures in the future.
However, while these improvements are necessary, the project is expected to cause significant traffic congestion. Preparatory works will start on June 8, 2026, with full-scale repairs running from June 29, 2026, to March 2027. Traffic management measures such as lane closures, contraflows, a reduced speed limit of 30 mph, and some overnight closures will be implemented to maintain safety and keep the route open, although detours and restricted turning movements will add to travel challenges.
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Concerns were raised at the Gloucestershire health overview and scrutiny committee about how the prolonged delays will affect Forest of Dean residents’ access to medical appointments. Councillor Julia Gooch highlighted the potential impact on patients and staff commuting from the west side of the Severn and inquired about possible capacity increases at Forest hospital.
Al Sheward, COO of Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, confirmed that the hospital is assessing the impact on patient and staff travel and coordinating with ambulance services to manage challenges posed by the single-lane restrictions. He anticipates more concrete plans to be available soon.
Additional traffic management efforts include CCTV monitoring and a free recovery service to aid motorists. Temporary traffic lights may be introduced at Over Roundabout if necessary to improve flow. Access for residents and businesses will be maintained throughout the works, despite some required detours.
The works, while disruptive, are crucial to ensuring the long-term safety and reliability of this vital transport link.