Fears lack of road work co-ordination cause huge traffic holdups in Cheltenham
Residents have questioned why closures and temporary lights aren’t better timed
There are concerns a lack of co-ordination in organising roadworks has led to traffic holdups in Cheltenham.
Highways chiefs have been asked why works were not arranged for the summer school holidays.
Resident Caroline Harris sent a public question to Gloucestershire County Council’s meeting on November 12 asking why road closures are not coordinated in the spa town.
“For example Thirstaine Road closed as soon as Cheltenham College reopened after the two month summer break causing cost to the school and therefore parents,” she said.
“Why wasn’t this done over the school holidays? Also why are there temporary traffic lights again on the A40 by McDonalds causing huge holdups.
“Driving around town there are road closures and temporary lights with no obvious work being done e.g. up by the racecourse cones and temporary lights by the rugby club and locals telling me they have never seen any work done there.”
Highways cabinet member Joe Harris (LD, Cirencester Park) said the council coordinates 27,000 roadworks every year.
He said this requires they strike a balance between managing the necessity of works and its impact on road users.
“We all want our roads surfaced and expect uninterrupted power, water and broadband services,” he said.
“Regarding these specific instances:
“The resurfacing work on Thirlestaine Road was specifically planned to take place overnight (20:00-07:00) to minimise disruption; and the works on Gloucester Road A40 by McDonalds were carried out by Severn Trent Water.
“Due to the traffic sensitivity of the A40 our officers applied a condition that works must only take place off peak and with manual control of the traffic signals.
“Regrettably there were long delays to traffic because Severn Trent’s contractor failed to staff the lights and carried out work during peak hours.
“We appreciate that this was disruptive however it was outside of our control and we have fined Severn Trent for failure to complete works within the permit duration.
“In relation to the Cheltenham Racecourse works we are in the process of delivering three miles of new cycle and walking infrastructure, alongside vital repairs to the rail bridge and ground stabilisation works.
“These works have been carefully timed and coordinated to avoid any road closures over the Cheltenham Festival, key events and the busy Christmas period.
“All works are expected to be completed in early 2026.
“Much of the work has been out of the view of the general public particularly on the rail bridge.”