Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire councils are joining forces to address the escalating traffic congestion on the A48 in Chepstow, an issue residents describe as “unbearable.” The collaboration comes amid growing demands for a Forest Gateway bypass to alleviate persistent gridlock.
A newly formed working group will evaluate multiple strategies to improve traffic flow, including the possibility of constructing a bypass around Sedbury and Chepstow that traverses the River Wye, alongside enhancements to public transport services.
Local officials note that much of the congestion stems from Forest of Dean residents commuting to Bristol, underscoring the need for effective cross-regional transport solutions.
READ MORE: Dumped Sofa Photo Becomes Viral Tourist Spot and Wins Prestigious Portrait of Britain Award
READ MORE: Pet owner’s 24-hour ordeal to reclaim missing dog ends with £65 fee
While suggestions for a new bridge linking the A48 with the A38 near Berkeley have surfaced over the years, financial analyses have deemed this option unfeasible.
Councillor Nick Evans (Conservative, Tidenham), a longstanding proponent of a Chepstow bypass, welcomed the renewed focus but cautioned against delaying action. “These discussions have been held before,” Evans said. “Comprehensive studies, including the Gloucestershire 2050 plan and an in-depth report by Arup, have already evaluated various solutions—from large and small bypass routes to innovative transport methods like e-bikes and cargo bikes. We should act on these recommendations rather than postpone decisions for years.”
Despite his concerns, Evans expressed willingness to contribute actively to the working group, having reached out to the Forest of Dean District Council’s leadership to offer support.
Roger Whyborn (Liberal Democrat, Benhall and Up Hatherley), Gloucestershire’s Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport and Strategic Highways, emphasized the complexity of the issue. “The core challenge is the A48’s limited capacity, especially the crossing over the River Wye, which handles far more traffic than it was designed for,” Whyborn explained. “While it’s early in our consultations, a bypass circumventing Sedbury and Chepstow remains a key consideration.”
In parallel, the council is exploring improvements to rail services connecting the Forest of Dean with Bristol. At present, just one train per hour stops at Lydney and Severn Tunnel Junction, necessitating inconvenient changes, even though two trains per hour pass through the Severn Tunnel.
“If we can increase train frequency and stops between Gloucester and Newport, particularly at Lydney and Severn Tunnel Junction, we could significantly bolster public transport alternatives,” Whyborn noted.
Regarding the idea of a new bridge at Lydney, Whyborn acknowledged public interest but confirmed that financial and feasibility studies consistently rule out the option. “While the notion has historic appeal—there was once a railway bridge over the Severn—it unfortunately isn’t viable at present,” he said.
As congestion worsens, local authorities are committed to advancing practical solutions that combine improved infrastructure with enhanced public transit, aiming to reduce the daily strain on the A48 corridor and better connect communities across the region.