Motorists traveling through Gloucestershire face a full weekend closure of the M5 between junction 11 at Cheltenham and junction 12 at Gloucester as National Highways demolishes two deteriorating pedestrian bridges. The closure is scheduled to begin at 11 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026, and end at 6 a.m. on Monday, October 19, allowing crews to safely remove the Grove Court and Uphill Court structures.
Details of the M5 Weekend Closure
According to National Highways, both pedestrian footpaths have deteriorated beyond repair after serving local communities for 64 years. Due to severe freeze-thaw damage over the decades, the structures developed cracked edge beams and crumbling concrete. Because these failing edges posed a direct hazard to vehicles traveling at national speed limits on the live carriageway below, the bridges were closed off to the public in March for safety reasons.
The upcoming weekend operation requires a strict and total shutdown of the motorway to protect both road users and construction personnel. National Highways Route Manager Ewan Greenhill emphasized that the intervention is necessary to maintain long-term network safety.
“Like many of our motorways and structures, the bridges have exceeded their structural lifespan, and replacing them will ensure the safety of road users and keep people and goods moving safely,” said Ewan Greenhill, National Highways Route Manager.
Demolition Scope and Engineering Scale
During the 55-hour weekend window, specialist contractors will deploy high-reach excavators to completely dismantle the two 69-metre-long structures. Engineering crews anticipate clearing a substantial amount of heavy debris before the motorway reopens to Monday morning commuter traffic.
- Total Concrete Removed: Approximately 440 tonnes
- Steel Tendons Cleared: 14 tonnes
- Structure Lifespan: 64 years of active service
- Future Plans: Replacement bridges built to modern standards are planned for the future.
Compound Setup and Slip Road Closures
To facilitate the heavy machinery and establish a secure construction compound, supplementary traffic management measures have been put in place ahead of the main demolition phase. The M5 northbound junction 11A exit slip road was closed starting Sunday, October 11, 2026, and will remain shut for approximately two weeks to allow faster site access without extending the primary motorway closure.
National Highways strategically timed the weekend closure to avoid major regional conflicts. The delayed 11 p.m. Friday start accommodated sports fans attending Gloucester Rugby’s European Champions Cup match against Bordeaux-Begles at Kingsholm Stadium. Planners also coordinated the schedule around ongoing regional road schemes, including the A40 Over Bridge refurbishment and A417 Missing Link works.
Diversion Routes and Travel Advice
Drivers are strongly urged to plan their journeys well in advance, allow extra time, and follow official signed diversion routes rather than relying exclusively on satellite navigation systems. Signed diversions for both northbound and southbound traffic direct motorists via:
- The A38 through Gloucester
- The A40 Cheltenham to Gloucester road
- The A417 corridor
Local authorities and transport officials have advised motorists traveling long distances between the Midlands and South Wales to consider utilizing the M50 as an alternative route to bypass the Gloucestershire diversion zones entirely. Drivers are also requested to navigate considerately through local communities along the diversion paths, which are expected to experience higher-than-normal traffic volumes.
