A-road closure extended for two weeks

The works are building a path to connect Gloucester, Bishop's Cleeve and Cheltenham

The closure of an A-road to create a cycleway has been extended by two weeks after further works were identified.

The A435, between Cheltenham Racecourse and Southam traffic lights, was initially shut from 2 June to 8 September, but it will now stay closed until 22 September. The northbound lane will be closed until 31 October as planned.

Once completed, the path along the A435 will connect three parts of Gloucestershire.

Councillor Roger Whyborn called the time extension unfortunate, adding: "Due to the complexity of the work, extra time is needed and we're doing all we can to open the road as quickly as possible."

Gloucestershire County Council explained work for utility diversions and structural work on the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Steam Railway Bridge were now needed.

A spokesperson said the improvements were crucial to ensure the bridge's "long-term safety and reliability for all users".

All work is due to be finished by the end of January 2026, when the cycleway will open.

The council said the £48m scheme would "deliver significant cycling and walking improvements" to the area.

Mr Whyborn, cabinet member for strategic highways and sustainable transport, thanked residents and road users, including local bus service Stagecoach, for their patience.