A significant section of the A435 Evesham Road in Cheltenham will close completely for three months starting June 2, as the final phase of the A435 Cycleway project and crucial bridge repairs get underway. The closure runs until September 8, 2025, between Cheltenham Racecourse Roundabout and the Hyde Lane/Southam Lane junction, with a subsequent northbound-only closure continuing through October 31.
Gloucestershire County Council is leading the project to enhance safety and accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians along this key route linking Bishop’s Cleeve and Cheltenham. Upon completion, the scheme will provide uninterrupted access to the 26-mile Gloucestershire Cycle Spine extending from Bishop’s Cleeve through Cheltenham to Gloucester, with plans to eventually connect to Stroud.
Alongside the cycleway construction, repairs on the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR) bridge will address recently discovered structural defects. The work will involve reinforcing the bridge, rebuilding the carriageway, and adding a new shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists. Combining these tasks during the full closure allows for efficient progress and minimizes disruption.
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The county council emphasizes that the total road closure is essential for providing safe workspace, protecting the bridge from damage, and ensuring the safety of workers and the public during construction.
Earlier sections of the cycleway have seen successful completion, including the stretch between the Honeybourne Line and Cheltenham Racecourse Roundabout finished in late 2024. Current progress on the northern section between the GWSR bridge and GE roundabout in Bishop’s Cleeve is proceeding on schedule for autumn 2025 completion.
Montel Civil Engineering Ltd is contracted to build the final cycleway segment and perform the vital repairs to the railway bridge simultaneously.
During closures, clear diversion routes will guide motorists safely around the affected area. Drivers are advised to plan journeys accordingly and follow posted signs to avoid delays.