'Financial risk' as work begins on M5 upgrade

Currently drivers can only access the M5 northbound from junction 10

Work has begun on upgrading a motorway junction despite a £70m funding gap.

Preliminary ecological works for the £363m junction 10 near Cheltenham and Gloucester revamp - which would allow motorists to drive on and off both northbound and southbound - has already begun.

A number of drop-in sessions have been held this month informing residents about the scheme's updates, including that construction work is scheduled to start in summer 2026.

Councillor Julian Tooke, Gloucestershire County Council's cabinet member for infrastructure, admitted they were taking a "financial risk" by starting work before having all the funds in place.

Council leaders are hoping to secure an extra £70m from government and a decision is anticipated by the end of December.

At a drop-in session on Wednesday, several attendees said the three-year upgrade was necessary.

Brian Bailey, from Boddington, said the upgrade was "overdue" and "needed to be completed".

Gary Wilson, from Bishops Cleeve, wants traffic lights installed on the junction with the Gloucester Old Spot pub as he is concerned about the impact any additional traffic will have.

"Now, on a good day, there's five cars, which is not a lot but if you've got one car turning right it's busy," Mr Wilson said, adding that if they do not install lights, it will be horrendous.

Mr Wilson is concerned about the impact the upgrades will have on the road next to the Gloucester Old Spot pub

Councillor Tooke added that if the council had waited to have all the money in place before starting the works, there would have been "further delays".

"We're actually taking a little bit of a financial risk putting money down on the table now to do those works to keep it moving," he added.

The scheme is expected to unlock further development including up to 15,000 homes, 12,000 high-skilled jobs, and support for the £1bn Golden Valley development.