A38 ‘traffic nightmare’ will likely last until the week before Christmas
The “traffic nightmare” on the A38 south of Gloucester looks likely to continue until the week before Christmas.
Roadworks have been underway and the B4008 Bristol Road is closed at the A38 flyover to allow a new junction into the Hunts Grove estate since late spring.
The works are being carried out by developer Crest Nicholson and the closure, which started on June 9 – and at the time frustrated motorists said they faced a “daily traffic nightmare”.
And the latest estimate is that the works will be completed by December 19.
Andy Clarke, a local resident who runs The Phobic Flyer Youtube channel, has been actively campaigning over the disruptive Hunts Grove Junction works.
To document the scale of disruption, Mr Clarke has recorded extensive road damage and numerous incidents.
“These roadworks have affected thousands of motorists and residents daily, yet official responses have been minimal,” Mr Clarke said.
He has reached out to his North Cotswold MP Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown in an effort to escalate the issue.
A full closure of the A38 took place overnight last Monday with a 44-mile official diversion which directed traffic from Hardwicke through Stroud and Cirencester, then looping back via the A417 to Waterwells.
“Residents and motorists in Hardwicke, Quedgeley, Kingsway and the surrounding area are experiencing severe disruption and safety risks due to ongoing roadworks and poorly managed diversions around the A38 and local lanes,” Mr Clarke added.
“Since June 2025, both groups have repeatedly raised concerns about dangerous traffic conditions, including heavy goods vehicles breaching weight limits, speeding, blocked emergency access, and inadequate signage.
“Despite numerous formal complaints and documented incidents, authorities have yet to provide a comprehensive action plan.
“The closure of the A38 has diverted thousands of vehicles onto narrow residential roads such as Pound Lane, Green Lane, Church Lane, and Sellars Road, resulting in gridlock, accidents, and threats to public safety.
“Motorists face long delays and confusion, while residents endure noise, property damage, and restricted access to their homes. Emergency services have also struggled to reach those in need due to the congestion.
“Despite direct appeals to councillors and MPs, responses have been limited and progress has been slow.
“Residents and motorists are now demanding immediate enforcement of traffic restrictions, restoration of safe lane access, clear communication, and a full inquiry into the planning and execution of the roadworks.”
Sir Geoffrey Cifton Brown said he fully recognises the disruption the roads are causing to residents particularly the latest planned closure of the A38.
“I am very sympathetic to those affected, and I am continuing to raise my constituents’ concerns with Gloucestershire Highways, and pressing for the works to be completed as swiftly and with as minimal disruption as possible,” the Conservative MP said.
“We have been in contact with Andy Clarke and have already raised his concerns with Highways.”
Sir Geoffrey said he will be raising any further concerns from Mr Clarke and asking for a full response from Gloucestershire Highways.
Highways cabinet member Joe Harris (LD, Cirencester Park) said Gloucestershire County Council recognises how disruptive the A38 lane and road closures have been for residents and businesses.
“These works are being delivered by Crest Nicholson as part of the Hunts Grove development and are required to make the junction safe and fit for the future,” he said.
“We have been clear with the developer that closures must be kept to an absolute minimum and that diversion routes must be safe and suitable. The official signed diversion is along the A38 and Bristol Road and does not include narrow country lanes.
“Following a meeting with Crest Nicholson and their contractors, county council officers, the county councillor and parish councillors, it was agreed that additional electronic signs will be used during the night-time closure in December, as well as closing off access on to the A38 Bristol Rd at the junction of Pound Lane on safety grounds.
“We continue to press the developer and their contractors to manage the works responsibly, to minimise disruption and to provide clear information to local communities.
“While we appreciate people’s frustration, the only way to deliver the infrastructure needed is to carry out these works. We will hold the developer to account to ensure they are completed as quickly and safely as possible.”
A Crest Nicholson spokesperson said the B4008 will remain closed until December 19, 2025 for safety purposes.
They said delays are understood to have been due to external and unforeseen factors and are not of their making.
They explained there had been a National Grid power issue, utility locations differing from original mapping and the A38 slip road work was rescheduled for completion at the end of the project.
There were also drainage issues identified during the works and the need to keep street lighting in place longer than expected for safety reasons.
These matters have been discussed and updated with timelines through regular meetings with Gloucestershire County Council and the developer says they are continuing to operate under their highways guidance.
Crest Nicholson are also continuing to maintain a regular dialogue with the residents.
They carry out letter drops to any local businesses to inform them of planned night closures.
The developer says they regularly attend parish council meetings and have maintained a highly collaborative approach through the project with parish councillors and the County Council and they are working together to try and minimise disruption.