Motorists enduring lengthy delays and a significant 12-mile diversion due to the prolonged closure of the A40 near Cheltenham can now witness the vast scale of the repair work underway.
New pictures released on Monday, November 3, showcase the ongoing efforts on Hambrook Bridge, located on London Road, Charlton Kings. The bridge has been closed since early September following severe damage, forcing commuters into a long detour.
Originally, there was hope that one lane might reopen by the time of the November Cheltenham Racecourse meeting. However, in a setback for many frustrated drivers, the closure has been extended indefinitely.
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Gloucestershire County Council provided an update on November 3, stating: “We have removed 270 tonnes of earth, with around 100 tonnes still to be cleared from the area surrounding the bridge. The next phase involves erecting structures to prepare for concrete pouring.”
The council expressed apologies for the inconvenience caused, acknowledging that Hambrook (Spring) Bridge is in far worse condition than initially assessed. The structural issues came to light following poor weather during the May Day bank holiday earlier this year, which caused the bridge face to collapse and resulted in extensive damage to the upstream headwall.
By late October, further inspections uncovered additional structural weaknesses extending beyond the original collapse site. This discovery necessitates a more extensive repair operation than anticipated, with a full road closure remaining in place throughout the November race meeting.
“Our top priority is ensuring the bridge is safe for many years to come,” the council stated. “We currently aim to reopen one lane in late 2025 or early 2026, but given the complexity of the below-road work, this is an estimated timeframe. We expect full completion by spring 2026.”
While the bridge is closed, a 12-mile signed diversion route is in place. This alternative path follows roads of similar classification to the A40 to safely accommodate comparable vehicle types. Drivers are urged to adhere to the official diversion signage, as taking smaller local roads can cause additional congestion, delays, and disruption to local communities.
Gloucestershire County Council’s highways teams continue working diligently to restore safe passage and preserve the Hambrook Bridge for the future.