Drivers traveling through Gloucestershire face significant travel disruption as National Highways prepares to execute a full weekend closure of the M5 motorway. The operation involves the complete demolition of two deteriorating footbridges spanning more than 60 years of age.
The motorway will be shut in both directions between Junction 11 (Cheltenham) and Junction 12 (Gloucester) starting at 11:00 p.m. BST on Friday, 16 October, until 6:00 a.m. on Monday, 19 October. The planned shutdown allows specialized crews to safely remove the Grove Court and Uphill Court footbridges before further structural decay poses an immediate hazard to passing vehicles.
Safety Concerns Driven by Rapid Deterioration
National Highways officials stated that the structures had degraded much faster than originally anticipated. Terry Robinson, south west engineering lead for National Highways, explained that winter freeze-thaw cycles-where moisture enters structural gaps and freezes-have severely cracked the edges of both bridges.
This damage created a critical risk that chunks of concrete could detach and fall onto the live carriageway below. With traffic moving at national speed limits, falling debris presents an extreme hazard to motorists.
“The bridges won’t go another winter without serious deterioration,” Robinson said, emphasizing that delaying the demolition project would invite unacceptable safety risks. The demolition process will utilize high-reach excavators to clear approximately 440 tonnes of concrete and 14 tonnes of steel tendons from the site before the motorway reopens on Monday morning.
Preparatory Slip Road Closures and Equipment Storage
To facilitate the complex removal process, preparatory measures began ahead of the full weekend shutdown. The M5 northbound Junction 11a exit slip road was closed 24 hours a day starting at 8:00 p.m. on 11 October.
Road authorities reserved this closed slip road space to store heavy plant machinery and equipment required for the demolition. Officials noted that storing the machinery locally prevents the need for an even longer motorway closure, allowing teams to complete the major works as quickly as possible.
Recommended Diversion Routes and Travel Advice
Transport authorities are urging motorists to plan their journeys carefully, allow extra time, and follow official signed diversion routes rather than relying on satellite navigation systems, which may direct traffic onto unsuitable local roads.
- Local Diversions: Traffic will be directed via the A38 through Gloucester, the A40 Cheltenham to Gloucester road, and the A417.
- Long-Distance Travel: Drivers traveling between the Midlands and South Wales are strongly encouraged to utilize the M50 as an alternative route.
- Additional Regional Roadworks: Motorists should remain mindful of ongoing construction projects nearby, including single-lane reductions and a 30 mph speed limit at the A40 Over Bridge, as well as overnight closures on the A417 between Gloucester and Cirencester.
Local councils and highway authorities have thanked the public in advance for their patience and cooperation, reiterating that the weekend measure is essential to protect road users and secure the long-term safety of the M5 transport network.
