M5 motorway closed as two footbridges demolished

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 19:02 · Archive

Two crumbling footbridges over the M5 near Gloucester are being demolished this weekend, closing the motorway between junctions 11 and 12.

National Highways is demolishing two deteriorating footbridges, Uphill Court and Grove Court, that cross the M5 between junctions 11 (Cheltenham) and 12 (Gloucester). The motorway has been closed in both directions this weekend and will remain shut until 06:00 on Monday. The closures, including junction 11A, are necessary because the structures have become crumbling hazards.

Thousands of vehicles have been diverted onto the A38, A40 and A417. National Highways urged motorists to follow diversion signs rather than sat-nav systems, which may direct them onto unsuitable routes. Drivers reported significant delays and frustration on the diverted roads. Paula Goddard, travelling from Telford to Devon, said she was unable to rejoin the southbound M5 and described the situation as 'a nightmare'. Bruce Jackson told the BBC his motorbike journey from Sheffield to Plymouth had been 'terrible' and the diversions 'didn't make sense'.

Terry Robinson from National Highways said the demolition is 'going really smoothly' as a result of extensive planning. Further disruption has also affected the A40 at Over Bridge near Gloucester, which is reduced to one lane in each direction with a 30mph limit, while ongoing works on the A417 between Gloucester and Cirencester are adding complications for regional traffic.

How it is being reported

• Going, going, gone: Dramatic pics of M5 footbridges demolition amid traffic chaosMotorists faced major disruption in Gloucestershire today as a section of the M5 was shut for an entire weekend while two footbridges were demolished.Wilts & Glos Standard · 17 Oct, 18:30
• Demolition of M5 bridges is 'going smoothly'The footbridges need to be taken down before they become a hazard for drivers.BBC Gloucestershire · 17 Oct, 15:26

In this story: M5 · Gloucester · National Highways · Cheltenham · Terry Robinson

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