Gloucestershire County Council has issued a travel advisory for parents as children prepare to return to school next month amid ongoing repair works on the A40 overbridge near Gloucester.
National Highways is continuing essential maintenance on the eastbound carriageway of the A40 between Over Farm and Over Roundabout. This section remains closed until October, with a contraflow system operating on the westbound side of the bridge. Traffic is restricted to one lane in each direction, and a 30 mph speed limit is enforced to ensure safety.
With the anticipated increase in road users during the morning school rush in September, the council is urging families to plan their journeys carefully and consider alternative routes where possible to minimise delays.
READ MORE: Woman assaulted in Cheltenham in public incident
READ MORE: Reimagined Forest of Dean Beauty Spot Could Feature ‘Floating Islands’ and Picnic Terrace
In a recent statement posted on Facebook, Gloucestershire County Council acknowledged the challenges posed by the combination of increased school traffic and ongoing roadworks. They expressed gratitude for residents' patience and encouraged them to consult the National Highways website for the latest updates and frequently asked questions regarding the repair work.
Diversion routes have been established. National Highways has advised that westbound drivers will be unable to turn right into Over Farm, Toby Carvery, or Horseshoe Drive, necessitating a diversion to the Highnam roundabout for turning around. Eastbound traffic will follow the reverse of this route. Drivers are reminded to adhere to the signed diversion routes and avoid relying solely on satnav instructions.
According to National Highways, these repair works are vital for extending the lifespan of the bridge and are expected to reduce the frequency of emergency closures in the future, improving long-term traffic reliability in the area.