en.Wedoany.com Reported - National Highways has recently announced a £7 million investment for bridge maintenance on the A40 Over Bridge in the Over area of Gloucestershire. The Over Bridge carries the dual carriageway of the A40 across the River Severn near Gloucester, with 5,000 vehicles using the bridge per hour during peak times.

Terry Robinson, National Highways' Head of Engineering, said: "Many of the motorways and major A-roads we manage were built around 60 years ago and need updating to ensure they remain fit for purpose in the future." Robinson added: "The A40 at Over is now in urgent need of major engineering work, which is essential for driver safety and the future smooth operation of this route. We expect significant delays in the area while this complex scheme is carried out. We advise users to plan their journeys and, where possible, choose alternative routes, especially during peak hours."

The bridge maintenance project will run from June 2026 to March 2027, including concrete repairs, new waterproofing, improved drainage systems, and other enhancements. Preparatory work will begin on 8 June 2026, with the installation of temporary site facilities located in the verge area between the A417 Over Causeway and the dedicated slip road leading to the A40 westbound. This slip road will be closed to traffic during the works.

Main construction work will commence on 29 June 2026, with measures including contraflow traffic management, lane closures, and a reduced speed limit of 30 mph. National Highways stated that unavoidable overnight closures will also be scheduled, with clearly signed diversion routes in place.

This dual carriageway is a key part of the road network connecting Gloucester, Cheltenham, and Ross-on-Wye, with the A40 linking England and Wales. This bridge maintenance will extend the lifespan of the structure, which was built in the 1970s, and reduce the risk of future unplanned closures due to emergency repairs.

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