Pike Road, which provides access to the village of Winstone near Cirencester in the Cotswolds, will be closed for nine days beginning Friday, 2 October. The closure will be in effect from 7am to 7pm each day, excluding weekends, to allow essential resurfacing works.
Motorists travelling to Winstone from the southbound carriageway of the A417 will need to follow a diversion route of approximately 20 miles. The recommended alternative route, devised by Gloucestershire County Council’s Highways team, directs drivers off the A417 onto the opposite carriageway, passing Elkstone Studios and continuing to the A435 junction at Cowley Manor.
From there, the diversion goes nine miles south along the A435 to Stratton, then along Overley Road through Daglingworth, and finally up Jackbarrow Road to the eastern side of the closure at Winstone. This detour is expected to add around 30 minutes to travel times under normal traffic conditions.
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While shorter alternative routes may be available, the council advises that their recommended diversion is the most suitable for all vehicle types, maintaining a similar road class throughout.
A letter issued to residents by the council’s Highways team explained the reasons for the closure, stating that the area affected by the road closure may be larger than the section being resurfaced to accommodate necessary machinery and materials safely. The closure is enacted under Sections 14, 15 & 16 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended).
The council acknowledged the inconvenience caused but emphasised the necessity of prioritising safety for both residents and road workers. Only pedestrians with access to properties via designated footways, emergency vehicles, and statutory undertakers responding to emergencies will be permitted through the closure during restricted hours.
Residents who usually drive in or out of the area during these times are urged to plan alternative routes throughout the duration of the works, which will conclude by Wednesday, 14 October. The council expects to complete the work as swiftly as possible to minimise disruption.