Construction on the final stage of the A435 Cycleway, which links Bishop’s Cleeve to Cheltenham, is set to begin next week, with work commencing on Monday, May 19, 2025. The project is planned for completion by January 2026.
To facilitate the construction, the A435 Evesham Road will be fully closed in both directions for three months, from Monday, June 2 to Monday, September 8, 2025. This closure will affect the stretch between Cheltenham Racecourse Roundabout and the Hyde Lane/Southam Lane junction. After this period, only the northbound carriageway will remain closed until Friday, October 31, 2025.
Gloucestershire County Council highlights that the project will deliver significant improvements for cyclists and pedestrians. It will provide continuous access to the 26-mile Gloucestershire Cycle Spine—a route extending from Bishop’s Cleeve through Cheltenham to Gloucester, with future plans to extend to Stroud.
READ MORE: Thousands of Attacks on Gloucester Hospital Staff Highlight Urgent Need for Safety Measures
READ MORE: Longwell Green Primary Aims for Outstanding Ofsted Rating After Positive Inspection
The final phase also includes critical repairs to the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR) bridge. A recent inspection identified defects requiring immediate attention to ensure the bridge’s long-term stability. The work involves strengthening the bridge structure, rebuilding the carriageway, and redesigning the road to feature a new shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists.
By combining bridge repairs with cycleway construction during this closure window, the county council aims to maximize efficiency and minimize disruption to local residents and road users. The full closure ensures a safe working environment, protects the bridge’s integrity, and prioritizes safety for both workers and the public.
Earlier phases of the cycleway have progressed steadily. Section 1, between the Honeybourne Line and Cheltenham Racecourse Roundabout, was completed by the end of 2024. Section 2’s first phase, spanning the GWSR Bridge to the GE Roundabout in Bishop’s Cleeve, started in January 2025 and is expected to finish by autumn 2025.
Montel Civil Engineering Ltd has been contracted for the final section—from Cheltenham Racecourse Roundabout to the GWSR bridge—and for the accompanying bridge repairs. With the contractor in place, the full schedule and road closure dates are now confirmed.
During the closures, clearly marked diversion routes will be in effect. Road users are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and follow signage carefully to navigate safely around the construction zones.