Motorists traveling along the A46 Shurdington Road in Cheltenham should prepare for significant delays next week due to roadworks on Kidnappers Lane. Severn Trent will implement a full closure of a short section of Kidnappers Lane for approximately five days beginning Monday, July 21.
The closure is necessary to install a new water main servicing the new Greenway Chase development, a project linked to the nearby Miller Homes housing development, which includes 350 homes. This area has already experienced multiple roadworks, contributing to heavy congestion and lengthy tailbacks on the A46.
During the closure, drivers will be redirected along a 2.5-mile diversion route using Church Road, Leckhampton Road, and Shurdington Road—all of which are typically busy thoroughfares. Fortunately, the timing coincides with the school holidays, which may help reduce traffic volumes near High School Leckhampton on Farm Lane.
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Severn Trent reassured residents in a recent letter that emergency vehicles will retain access on either side of the closure for safety and operational efficiency. The utility company also emphasized that no water supply interruptions are anticipated during the works.
This latest disruption occurs on the same Kidnappers Lane section currently controlled by three-way temporary traffic lights, which have already been causing delays. Motorists are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and allow extra travel time.