Bridge works signal £13 million of road investment in Gloucestershire
Highways England is continuing its investment in Gloucestershire roads with a £13 million programme of bridge works on the M5 around junction 11.
The work, which starts this month and continues until August 2017, will ensure the safety and reliability of the bridges for many years to come.
Highways England area manager Dave Sledge said:
The programme will maintain the integrity of four M5 bridges, avoiding more costly and disruptive repairs in the future.
While we appreciate there is a significant amount of work to complete we are doing everything we can to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum by keeping three lanes open in both directions for the vast majority of the time and undertaking works overnight.
Included in the programme is a full bridge deck refurbishment and waterproofing at the Cheltenham Gloucester Road underbridge, along with bridge joint replacements and central reserve barrier works.
At Bamfurlong Lane Bridge and Golden Valley North and South Bridges the schemes will focus on replacing weakened bridge piers and foundations due to thaumasite sulphate attack, which can reduce the affected concrete to a soft crumbly material.
During April a number of slip road, lane and full carriageway closures will be required overnight while traffic management is put in place and resurfacing work is carried out.
There will be full overnight closures of the M5 southbound, 8pm until 6am, between junctions 10 and 11 from Monday 11 April until Monday 18 April. Fully signed diversion routes will be in place during all closures.
Three narrow lanes in both directions will be installed next month between junctions 10 and 11 and a temporary 50mph speed limit will be in place for the safety of road workers and drivers.
Additional full overnight closures of both carriageways will be required in early May to install the narrow lanes. Dates have yet to be finalised but will be published once the works are confirmed.
During any roadworks, Highways England advises drivers to plan their journeys and allow greater time to make the journeys while they are being delivered.
Drivers can get up-to-the-minute travel information by phoning the Highways England Information Line on 0300 123 5000 or by accessing the website. Drivers can also download Highways England’s iPhone app or follow updates via Twitter at @HAtraffic_swest.
Further information regarding current and planned roadworks in the South West region plus neighbouring regions, including the programme can be found on the Highways England website.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.
Media enquiries
Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.