Green light for Elmbridge roundabout upgrade to start this summer

Elmbridge Court roundabout is one of the busiest junctions in Gloucestershire and relieving congestion there will also boost economic development in the county.

On 28th July the Department for Transport confirmed £9million for improvements works at the roundabout and for an extra lane for buses along the A40 westbound, Whittington Road junction to Arle Court roundabout, Cheltenham.

Work will begin towards the end of August, with completion expected in September 2017.

Part of GFirst LEP’s Gloucestershire Growth Deal, the improvements will increase capacity, cut congestion and improve journeys at peak times, include a new straight-on ‘hamburger lane’, a widening of the approach lanes and the latest traffic signal technology.

The work will build upon the recent improvements which were successfully carried out on the surrounding routes at the Walls, C&G and Over roundabouts.

In July 2015 the county council and the Department for Transport agreed to take a phased approach to work in the Elmbridge area with construction at the roundabout becoming phase one.

Phase two, part of the future Local Transport Plan to 2030, could include a new 1000 space park and ride site, although this aspect has yet to be agreed.

Cllr Vernon Smith, cabinet member for highways said, “The county council is working to cut congestion wherever we can across Gloucestershire. That’s not just good for motorists – it’s good for Gloucestershire businesses, helping us protect and create jobs in our county. 

“The improvements we’ve made at the Walls and C&G roundabouts have already brought better journey times in the area. Improvements at Elmbridge Court roundabout will go further still, as well as making it easier for people to choose public transport for their journeys.”

While the work takes place on the roundabout every effort will be made to keep disruption to a minimum. Lane closures on the approach roads will only appear when absolutely necessary to allow the construction work to take place.

Motorists are advised to allow extra time for their journeys during the first six weeks of the work as a 24hr inner ring lane closure with be in place on the roundabout so that the ‘straight-on’ lane can be built.

More details and traffic advice will be issued nearer the time.

For more information visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/elmbridge