Overnight closures on A436 to cause 12-mile diversion

Works on the A436 between Air Balloon and Seven Springs roundabouts will begin on Thursday

Roadworks on a key route in Gloucestershire have been brought forward due to recent wet weather.

The A436 will be closed between the Air Balloon and Seven Springs roundabouts for two nights this week, resulting in a 12-mile diversion for drivers.

The two-mile stretch will be closed between 21:00 GMT on Thursday and 06:00 on Friday and again from 21:00 on Friday to 06:00 on Saturday.

The work is linked to the £460m 'Missing Link' project, which will connect traffic from the M4 to the M5.

During the closures, diversion routes will be in place via the A46, A40, A435, A436.

The A436 work is connected to the A417 Missing Link scheme, which is set to be completed in 2027

A spokesperson for National Highways said it made the decision to bring work to install permanent drains in the area forward to prevent flooding following recent wet weather.

It apologised for the short notice of the closure and said it had taken measures to reduce disruption "where possible".

"Signposted diversion routes will be in place during the closure and access for residents and emergency services will be fully maintained during the closures," the spokesperson added.

Drivers are being encouraged to follow official diversion routes instead of sat-navs.