Timing of works causing 'huge holdups' - residents

Roadworks across Cheltenham have been causing traffic in the town

There are concerns a lack of co-ordination in organising roadworks has led to town-wide traffic holdups affecting commuters and family school runs.

Gloucestershire County Council highways chiefs have been asked why the works on Thirlestaine Road and the A40 in Cheltenham, were not arranged for the summer school holidays.

Councillor Joe Harris said delays on the A40, had been caused by a lack of staffing from contractors Severn Trent, to man the manual traffic lights.

Resident Caroline Harris explained to the council during a meeting on Wednesday, that it had caused "huge holdups" and had impacted local schools and parents.

"[For example] Thirlestaine Road closed as soon as Cheltenham College reopened after the two month summer break causing cost to the school and therefore parents," she explained to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"Why wasn't this done over the school holidays? Also why are there temporary traffic lights again on the A40 by McDonalds causing huge holdups?

"Driving around town there are road closures and temporary lights with no obvious work being done e.g. up by the racecourse cones and temporary lights by the rugby club and locals telling me they have never seen any work done there," said Ms Harris.

Councillor Joe Harris said that all works were expected to be completed in early 2026

Mr Harris said: "The resurfacing work on Thirlestaine Road was specifically planned to take place overnight (20:00-07:00 GMT) to minimise disruption.

"Regrettably there were long delays to traffic [on the A40] because Severn Trent's contractor failed to staff the lights and carried out work during peak hours.

"We have fined Severn Trent for failure to complete works within the permit duration."

He went on to explain the works near the racecourse had been "carefully timed and coordinated" to take place "out of the view of the general public" and to avoid closures during key events and the Christmas period.

"All works are expected to be completed in early 2026," he added.