Drivers on the A46 Shurdington Road were met with a welcome surprise this weekend as the long-dreaded three-way traffic lights were finally removed, making way for a newly opened roundabout. The re-aligned section of road near Warden Hill and Leckhampton began operating in both directions on Sunday, easing congestion that had plagued the area for months.
While two-way lights remain in place on Kidnappers Lane, motorists reported a significant improvement in travel times on Shurdington Road since the roundabout opened. For the past four months, these traffic lights had caused extensive delays for motorists and bus passengers, with queues often spilling over onto surrounding roads as drivers tried to avoid the bottleneck, especially during peak times.
This roadwork is part of the infrastructure upgrades connected to the new housing development of 350 homes on a former pig farm site, now known as Greenway Chase. The development includes two new access points onto the A46: the newly operational roundabout near Kidnappers Lane and the main entrance near Moorend Park Road.
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However, the disruption is not entirely over yet. Gloucestershire County Council has scheduled overnight road closures on this section of Shurdington Road from 7pm to 7am, between Monday, December 8 and December 20. These closures are necessary for final surfacing and remedial works on the roundabout to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow.
Social media reactions were mixed but spirited. Some Facebook users expressed sarcastic nostalgia for the traffic lights that had dominated their commutes, while others mourned the loss of green fields now replaced by housing. Yet many welcomed the changes with cheers, celebrating the improved road conditions.
A spokesperson from Miller Homes, the developer behind Greenway Chase, emphasized the long-term benefits the project will deliver. “We appreciate the patience of residents during these roadworks, which are designed to improve traffic flow on the A46 for everyone,” they said. “Completion is expected by March 2026, meeting all local authority safety standards, and we aim to finish the project as swiftly as possible for the benefit of the Leckhampton community.”
Homes in the Greenway Chase development range from £399,950 to £885,000. Some properties are ready for immediate occupancy, while others will become available by December 2026.