After a brief respite of just three days, motorists on Shurdington Road in Leckhampton, Cheltenham, are once again facing significant delays due to returning roadworks. Temporary traffic lights were reintroduced on Monday, June 16, and are expected to remain in place until mid-July, exacerbating congestion on this already busy route.
Over the past weekend, drivers experienced rare smooth travel along the A46 Shurdington Road, from the Up Hatherley Way roundabout to Bath Road, free from the usual stoppages caused by temporary traffic signals. This short break allowed journeys to proceed without lengthy detours, much to residents’ relief.
However, the installation of three-way traffic lights at the junction of Shurdington Road and Kidnappers Lane — the site of a major Miller Homes development consisting of 350 new houses — has reignited traffic problems. Delays have quickly accumulated, with queues stretching back to the Up Hatherley Way roundabout and slowing traffic toward Bath Road and along Kidnappers Lane itself.
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Leckhampton Parish Councillor Emma Nelson, a vocal figure on local Facebook updates, reminded residents of the ongoing works linked to the Greenway Chase development. She posted: “Reminder of ongoing roadworks. Shurdington Road: Multi-Way signals at Kidnapper’s Lane junction 16th June – 25th July for installation of new storm and foul water connections to second phase of Miller development.”
Frustration has been widespread in the local community. One resident commented on a neighborhood Facebook page: “Looks like the privilege of no roadworks on the Shurdington Road lasted all of three days. Bumper to bumper from the roundabout to Kidnappers Lane.” Another added, “There was me thinking that the chaos and jams would end at the weekend when they had filled in the trench by the new housing development. But no. They just keep on going. It is never ending.”
With six weeks of disruption ahead, motorists are advised to prepare for ongoing delays and plan travel accordingly as roadworks continue to reshape daily commutes along this vital Cheltenham thoroughfare.