Gloucestershire motorists face a substantial detour later this month as resurfacing work on a one-mile stretch of the B4066 near Selsley will result in a 20-mile diversion.
The B4066, a key route connecting Dursley and Rodborough and passing through scenic Cotswold villages such as Nympsfield and Woodchester, will be partially closed for maintenance. The works will take place at the northern end of the road, from Selsley Common to Pen Hill, close to the town of Stroud.
Scheduled overnight between 7pm and 7am over seven nights starting Thursday, 13 August and concluding Friday, 21 August (excluding the weekend of 15-16 August), the carriageway will be closed to ensure safe and effective resurfacing.
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Despite the short length of the affected road, the official diversion route for motorists will add approximately 20 miles to journeys. Drivers will be directed from Pen Hill southwards along the B4066 to Dursley, then north through Cam to the A38 near Slimbridge. The route continues north along the A38 to Whitminster before looping back east via the Stroudwater Interchange and along the A419 past Stonehouse, rejoining the B4066 at Selsley Road.
This diversion is expected to add around 45 minutes to normal travel times. While local drivers may find shorter alternative routes, the approved route is designed to accommodate vehicles suitable for similar road classifications and to maintain safety.
Access restrictions during the Temporary Traffic Order mean vehicles will not be allowed into or out of the closed section during the night closures. Pedestrian access to properties remains available where footways are present, and emergency vehicles are exempt from the closures.
A letter sent to residents by Gloucestershire County Council explains: “We will be resurfacing the road at the above location. To ensure the safety of you and our workforce, we have, under Sections 14, 15 & 16 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 as amended, made a Temporary Traffic Order to close the road.
“Due to the nature of the engineering works required for carriageway resurfacing, the road closure covers a greater area than the actual resurfacing site. This allows for the movement and placement of machinery and materials.
“We appreciate road closures are inconvenient, but they are necessary to keep you and the team safe during the works. We have scheduled the work to be completed as quickly as possible and have chosen a timing to minimise inconvenience.”
Motorists and residents are encouraged to stay informed on any updates or changes by following Gloucestershire Road on Facebook or @GlosRoad on X.
“The road closure covers a greater area than the length being resurfaced to allow for the safe operation of machinery and materials,” a council spokesperson said.
Road users are advised to plan journeys accordingly and allow extra travel time during the period of the works.