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Motorists warned ahead of nine months of roadworks

Chloe Harcombe,West of Englandand
Edward Rowe,West of England, Over
News imageBBC The Over Bridge in Gloucestershire. There is a barrier near to the camera and a dual carriageway on either side of the central reservation. Lamp posts and vehicles can be seen along the route.BBC
The Over Bridge, which was built in the 1970s, is in need of refurbishment

Motorists are being warned about nine months of roadworks ahead of significant refurbishments to a bridge.

The A40 Over Bridge in Gloucestershire is a key route across the River Severn, connecting Gloucester, Cheltenham and Ross on Wye and England to Wales.

Part of a £7m project, work to the structure is expected to begin on 29 June, with lane closures, contraflows and reduced speed limits in place until its scheduled finish in March.

A spokesperson for National Highways said: "We're expecting this work to cause significant delays in the area during this complex scheme."

"We're advising users to plan their journeys and use alternative routes where possible, especially during peak hours," they added.

The bridge was built in the 1970s and is used by up to 5,000 vehicles an hour at peak times.

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National Highways said the upcoming work will extend the lifespan of the bridge, reduce the risk of closures for emergency maintenance work and provide a more resilient and reliable route.

The project includes work to repair concrete, waterproofing, and joints and bearings.

News imageThe underside of the Over Bridge in Gloucestershire. There is water beneath the bridge and shrubbery on the banks. There is damage to the underneath of the bridge.
Visible wear and tear can be seen on both the top and the underneath of the bridge

National Highways will implement traffic management measures in phases to minimise disruption to motorists.

These include:

  • June to March 2027: Total closure A417 Over Causeway to A40 Westbound slip road
  • June to July 2026: Lane 2 closures in both directions
  • July to October 2026: Eastbound carriageway closure with single lane contraflow on the westbound carriageway
  • October 2026 to January 2027: Lane 2 closures in both directions
  • February to March 2027: Removal of all traffic management

A 30mph speed limit will be introduced, with overnight closures and diversions also enforced.

National Highways said residents and businesses will have access throughout the work.

News imageTerry Robinson. He is pictured underneath the A40 Over Bridge in Gloucestershire. He has short grey hair and is wearing a yellow high vis jacket with a National Highways logo on the chest. He is looking at the camera and standing with his hands behind his back.
Terry Robinson from National Highways said the A40 was in need of "significant" work

Terry Robinson, engineering lead for National Highways, said: "Many of the motorways and major A roads we manage were built around 60 years ago and need renewing to ensure they remain fit for purpose for generations to come.

"The A40 at Over is now in need of significant work, which is vital to keep drivers safe and the route running into the future."

Ewan Greenhill, route manager also from the agency, said it was a "very important route" and the work was a "big investment in a really important structure".

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