Drivers Warned of Major Delays as £7m A40 Over Bridge Refurbishment Begins

Motorists travelling through Gloucestershire are being warned to expect months of disruption as major refurbishment works get underway on the A40 Over Bridge near Gloucester.

The £7 million project, being delivered by National Highways, will see extensive repairs carried out to the ageing structure over a nine-month period, with lane closures, contraflow systems, reduced speed limits and overnight road closures planned until March 2027.

The A40 Over Bridge is a critical transport link crossing the River Severn, connecting Gloucester, Cheltenham and Ross-on-Wye, while also serving as an important route between England and Wales. Built in the 1970s, the bridge carries up to 5,000 vehicles per hour during peak periods.

National Highways confirmed work is scheduled to begin on 29 June 2026 and warned drivers to prepare for significant delays throughout the duration of the scheme.

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.”

The refurbishment programme is designed to extend the operational life of the bridge, improve long-term reliability and reduce the risk of future emergency closures.

Works will include concrete repairs, replacement waterproofing systems and upgrades to joints and bearings across the structure.

National Highways said visible deterioration on both the bridge deck and underside highlights the need for major intervention to ensure the route remains safe for future use.

Traffic Management Phases

To minimise disruption where possible, traffic management measures will be introduced in stages throughout the project.

Planned measures include:

• June 2026 to March 2027: Full closure of the A417 Over Causeway to A40 westbound slip road

• June to July 2026: Lane 2 closures in both directions

• July to October 2026: Full eastbound carriageway closure with a single-lane contraflow operating on the westbound side

• October 2026 to January 2027: Lane 2 closures in both directions

• February to March 2027: Gradual removal of traffic management systems

A temporary 30mph speed limit will also be introduced through the works area, alongside overnight closures and signed diversion routes when required.

National Highways said access for local residents and businesses will be maintained throughout the scheme.

Terry Robinson, Engineering Lead at 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 for National Highways, described the bridge as a “very important route” and said the investment represented a major commitment to maintaining critical infrastructure across the region.

The project forms part of wider ongoing efforts to modernise and maintain ageing structures across the strategic road network as traffic volumes continue to grow and infrastructure demands increase.