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Gloucestershire Business News

Happy New Year – road works begin on A40 Golden Valley Bypass

Motorists on the A40 returning to work on what is often called the most depressing Monday of the year - the first day back after the Christmas break - indeed had little to shout about.

As they endured the usual return to work traffic flow (imagine being stuck in treacle) many will no doubt have wondered why today (January 7) was the day chosen to start major work on the road.

That project is the refurbishment of the East and West Junction 11 M5 bridges on the A40 Golden Valley, the main thoroughfare between Cheltenham and Gloucester, at a cost of £1.8 million.

Motorists are unlikely to be thrilled at this stage with the assertion from Highways England that when the "extensive and essential refurbishment work" those using the bridges will enjoy 'improved journeys'.

They just have to wait six months.

Those travelling out of rush-hour thinking they will avoid being affected should note - there are likely to be overnight closures as well.

In between now and June work will be underway to replace bridge joints, apply waterproofing, refurbish parapets and bearings and repair timber fencing, as well as resurfacing.

Those already dreading March, when the four-days of racing that is Cheltenham Festival brings more traffic spikes to the working day, might take some solace in the news work will be phased through that week.

As for the moment, phase one will see the westbound carriageway closed, with a contraflow in place eastbound, and is expected to be completed before the start of race week.

Post-festival the eastbound carriageway will be closed with a contraflow operating westbound and diversions via the slip roads.

Central reservation work will also be carried out throughout with the promise that two-lane capacity will be maintained, accompanied by slip road diversions.

A speed limit of 50mph will be in place throughout the period.

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