Gloucestershire County Council has gone out of county to find a contractor for its improvements to the main A419 Stonehouse M5 Stroud artery road.

As it seeks to smooth the way before the work begins it plans to introduce Hampshire-headquartered contractor Knights Brown to residents, road users and local businesses who will be affected by the plans.

Crews are due to begin improvement work on the first of four junctions in Stonehouse next week (March 11), and two 'meet the contractor' events are due to take place this afternoon (March 5) and tomorrow.

The A419 Stonehouse scheme will aim to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow at all key junctions along the A419 corridor, from the M5 in the west through to Stroud in the east.

The road is a major artery for key business parks and for the Five Valleys access to the M5 Motorway.

The works will be focused around four key junctions: Chipmans Platt roundabout, Oldends Lane roundabout, Downton Road signalised junction and Horsetrough roundabout.

Members of the site team will be available at the events to talk about the scheme, traffic management plans and details on how residents and road users can find out more information throughout the works. Staff from the council's highways team will also be on hand to answer any questions.

Cllr Nigel Moor, cabinet member for planning and infrastructure at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "We are continuing to improve key parts of our highways network and the A419 Stonehouse is the next major scheme needed to help keep the county moving.

"I hope as many local residents as possible will come along and find out more about the work."

Lesley Williams, county councillor for Stonehouse, said: "These improvements will make it easier for local people to get to work, go to school, and get around generally in the long run. I encourage anyone who lives nearby or uses this road on their commute to go along and find out more about this important scheme."

David Owen, CEO said: "GFirst LEP is pleased to support this important infrastructure project for the county, this 'key corridor' will support growth in the Stroud district and improve the travelling experience of local residents."

Today's event is due to take place from 4pm to 7pm at the Kings Head House Hotel, Bath Road, Eastington, Stonehouse (GL10 3AA).

Tomorrow's is due to take place from 3pm to 7pm at Stonehouse Town Hall, High Street, Stonehouse (GL10 2NG).

The local authority is also taking questions via email: majorprojects@gloucestershire.gov.uk

To receive a regular newsletter throughout the work email talktous@knightsbrown.co.uk.

To find more information visit gloucestershire.gov.uk/highways/major-projects-list/a419-highway-improvements/