Meet the contractor

Thank you to everyone who submitted questions and watched our virtual 'meet the contractor' event on 25 February.

If you missed is you can watch the video here.

Upcoming road closures

18 March: A40 Gloucester Road - will be closed eastbound between Benhall Roundabout and Arle Court Roundabout, overnight from 7pm - 6am. Please see A40 Gloucester Road Westbound lanes closure plan (PDF, 380.5 KB) for full details of closure and diversion route. Please note that this closure will include implementing a 'No Right Turn' from Telstar Way onto the A40 Gloucester Road.

Map of the diversion route (same for both closures):

Update on walking and cycling work in west Cheltenham

Gloucestershire County Council has been working with Cheltenham Borough Council on biodiversity and landscaping plans within the £1.6million walking and cycling improvements in west Cheltenham.

Both councils have been working hard behind the scenes to make the new cycle path along the A40 from Benhall roundabout into Cheltenham as ecologically conscious and ‘tree-friendly’ as possible.

Residents in the immediate area have received a letter, asking them to get in touch and work with the county council if they have questions or concerns.

Work started in January 2021 on the next section of the West Cheltenham Transport Improvement Scheme, which includes £1.6 million investment into walking and cycling facilities. The separate cycle path between Benhall Roundabout and Griffiths Avenue will meet the new national guidance, and both councils are working together to improve the diversity of plants as well as the general look and feel of the area when the scheme is complete.

So the county council can build the new cycle path to the minimum widths required by government, existing hedgerows will get a makeover. They will be tidied up, weeds removed and extra planting added behind the hedges to improve screening from the major road. Other plans include a brand new section of hedgerow, Ash Dieback work and replanting of a variety of shrubs where currently there are gaps in the foliage.

There are many established trees in this section and by using a special “no dig” technique the new cycle path can be laid without damaging tree roots. The oak trees lining the A40 between Arle Court and Benhall Roundabouts will be preserved.

You can read more here.

COVID-19 position

As Gloucestershire moves between different levels of Coronavirus restrictions, we want to reassure you that we are working with our highways contractors in Gloucestershire to protect all staff, following updated government and industry guidance regarding COVID-19 and construction work. 

We will continue to make progress with the West Cheltenham Transport Improvement Scheme using the principles of social distancing, bubbles and working remotely. 

Get others involved

As always please do send this message on to anyone who you think would be interested in these important improvements in Cheltenham. Anyone can sign up to receive future news bulletins about this scheme too.

More information:

Website  www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/WCTIS 

Email   majorprojects@gloucestershire.gov.uk