'Nightmare roadworks have made us prisoners in our own homes'

Residents near the Hunts Grove estate in Gloucester are facing severe disruption due to prolonged roadworks on the A38, Kingsway, Quedgeley, and around the M5 Junction 12. What began as a four-month project in June to construct a new junction by developer Crest Nicholson has extended well beyond its original schedule, now expected to continue until just before Christmas.

Locals describe the situation as a “traffic nightmare” that has turned their daily routines upside down. Trips that used to take 30 minutes have stretched to two hours or more, leaving many stranded and frustrated. Liz, a resident, shared how her usual 30-minute nursery drop-off now takes up to two hours due to the gridlock.

Nikki Curtis, another affected resident, said, “We feel like prisoners in our own homes because getting off the Hunts Grove estate has become nearly impossible. It’s taking people up to two hours to travel just two miles. Children are even receiving detention at school for being late, and many are missing appointments and running late for work.”

The roadworks have caused serious ripple effects throughout the community. Delivery services are hesitant to enter the estate because of the delays, while local buses, including Gloucester Stagecoach’s Service 8, have also been running late.

Crest Nicholson has acknowledged the residents’ frustrations, indicating that, weather permitting, the works should be completed by December 20th – five days before Christmas. A company spokesperson stated, “Our top priority is completing the A38 junction works to improve access and connectivity. We appreciate residents’ patience and cooperation during this challenging time.”

Though the disruption has been significant, these road upgrades are vital for future housing development and improved transport links in the area. Residents hope the project’s completion will bring long-awaited relief from the current chaos.

‘Nightmare roadworks have made us prisoners in our own homes’