M5 closes for bridge demolitions near Gloucester

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 06:03 · Archive

The M5 motorway will close between Cheltenham and Gloucester from Friday night to Monday morning for the demolition of two deteriorated pedestrian bridges.

The M5 motorway will close between junction 11 at Cheltenham and junction 12 at Gloucester from 11pm on Friday until 6am on Monday. The closure is to allow contractors to demolish Grove Court and Uphill Court bridges, which cross the M5 and have functioned as pedestrian footpaths for 64 years. Both structures have been closed since March because they have deteriorated beyond repair.

High-reach excavators will dismantle the bridges during the weekend, removing 440 tonnes of concrete and 14 tonnes of steel tendons from the carriageway. Each bridge measures 69 metres long. New bridges built to modern standards will be constructed in their place in the future.

Terry Robinson, South West Engineering Lead for National Highways, said the bridges have exceeded their structural lifespan and that replacing them will ensure the safety of road users. He added that National Highways has communicated the closure to local communities and businesses, and advised drivers to plan ahead, consider alternative routes and allow extra time for their journeys.

Traffic will be diverted in both directions using the A38 through Gloucester, the A40 between Cheltenham and Gloucester, and the A417.

How it is being reported

• M5 double bridge demolition will close motorway drivers get weekend warningDrivers are urged to plan ahead as the M5 closes for two bridge demolitions near Gloucester as National Highways issues diversion adviceMalvern Gazette · 13 Oct, 05:00
• M5 double bridge demolition will close motorway drivers get weekend warningDrivers are urged to plan ahead as the M5 closes for two bridge demolitions near Gloucester as National Highways issues diversion adviceWorcester News · 13 Oct, 05:00

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

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