Major A-road works 'essential' for new M5 junction

Work on the junction between the A38 and A4019 is expected to start in January

The search for a contractor to carry out works near the M5 for a major junction project is set to be given go-ahead.

Gloucestershire County Council could make a £3.34m contract available to upgrade the junction between the A38 and A4019 at Coombe Hill, pending cabinet approval on Wednesday.

The two roads, which connect Gloucester and Tewkesbury, act as a T-junction where the new M5 junction 10 will be built near Cheltenham.

The council said the road will be closed for 12 weeks during the initial stages of the work, which is expected to start in January 2025.

The project will see the roads widened, traffic lights upgraded and improved pedestrian and cycling facilities.

Councillor David Gray said the works are "essential" for the road network to cope with a rise in traffic when the new M5 junction 10 is built.

The new M5 junction's improvements would provide access in all directions, on and off the motorway

Mr Gray, the council's cabinet member for environment and planning, added: “The planned works will renew and enhance the existing infrastructure and provide greater resilience to the future operation of the junction, particularly the traffic signals and drainage assets."

Funding for the scheme is part of the £249m package from Homes England's Housing Infrastructure Fund.

Gloucestershire County Council's cabinet is expected to put the contract out for bidding at a meeting on Wednesday.

The on-site works are planned to be finished at the end of Autumn 2025.