Council Calls for Utility Firms to Help Minimise Disruption During A40 Over Bridge Works

Gloucestershire County Council has urged utility companies to avoid carrying out unnecessary roadworks near the A40 Over Bridge while a major refurbishment programme is underway, in an effort to reduce traffic congestion on one of the county’s busiest transport routes.

The appeal comes as National Highways embarks on a significant programme of repair and maintenance works to Over Bridge, a key crossing over the River Severn that links Gloucester with destinations including Cheltenham and Ross-on-Wye.

The essential upgrade project is expected to continue until spring 2027 and is likely to affect thousands of motorists who rely on the route each day, particularly commuters travelling between the Forest of Dean and Gloucester.

Recognising the potential impact on traffic, Gloucestershire County Council has written to utility providers operating in the area, asking them to postpone non-essential works wherever possible. The aim is to prevent additional roadworks from compounding delays while the bridge refurbishment is taking place.

Council leaders say reducing overlapping schemes will be critical in maintaining traffic flow and limiting disruption for residents, businesses and visitors during the lengthy construction period.

Councillor Mark Harris, Cabinet Member for Highways at Gloucestershire County Council, described the bridge project as both necessary and significant, acknowledging that disruption will be unavoidable while the work is carried out.

He said the council is working closely with National Highways to help minimise the impact on the local road network and ensure that every opportunity is taken to reduce congestion.

Over Bridge is a strategically important transport link for Gloucestershire, carrying substantial volumes of traffic across the River Severn each day. The structure forms a vital connection between communities on either side of the river and supports both local and regional journeys.

The maintenance programme is intended to preserve the long-term integrity of the bridge and ensure it remains safe and reliable for future generations of road users. However, with works expected to continue for many months, traffic management measures and delays are anticipated throughout the project.

By encouraging utility companies to coordinate their activities and avoid unnecessary interventions on nearby roads, the council hopes to ease pressure on surrounding routes and help keep the region moving during the refurbishment programme.

The request reflects a broader effort by local authorities and National Highways to manage disruption as effectively as possible while delivering essential improvements to one of Gloucestershire’s most important pieces of transport infrastructure.

As work progresses, motorists are being encouraged to plan journeys carefully and allow additional travel time, particularly during peak periods when congestion is expected to be at its highest.

With the project scheduled to run until spring 2027, ongoing cooperation between highway authorities, contractors and utility providers is expected to play a key role in limiting disruption and supporting the successful delivery of the scheme.