Public engagement held on M5 transport scheme

Councillor David Gray (L) said the scheme will provide "essential connectivity" for communities in the area

The public is being invited to have their say on potential new route options for roads around a major motorway junction.

Gloucestershire County Council is running a public engagement exercise, from 7 October to 2 December, for the M5 Junction 9 and A46 (Ashchurch) Transport Scheme.

The proposal would see the junction reconfigured, and the A46 re-routed around Ashchurch to the Teddington Hands roundabout.

It aims to divert heavy traffic away from the A46, while improving connectivity, journey times and road safety.

According to the authority, the proposal is estimated to cost between £740m and £930m to construct

The changes would help to divert long-distance traffic from the existing A46 through Ashchurch, and reduce queuing back to the M5 from the Junction 9 roundabout - which is currently a safety concern.

The proposal will also support sustainable travel options in the area, with the "needs of walkers, cyclists and horse riders considered in the overall design".

'Suitable route'

Councillor David Gray, cabinet member for environment and planning, said: “More than half of the traffic currently using the existing A46 through Ashchurch during peak periods is longer distance through-traffic.

"Our proposals would provide an alternative more suitable route for these vehicles, especially heavy goods traffic.

"This would benefit local residents and businesses by reducing traffic volume, noise and pollution on the existing A46 through Ashchurch.

"The scheme will also provide essential connectivity for the proposed garden communities, boosting sustainable growth and housing supply.”