The A38 access over the Gloucester Road flyover in South Gloucestershire is closed for essential repair work this week, a closure that began on Monday 20 July and is due to be lifted on Saturday 25 July.
What the closure involves
The short, concentrated closure forms part of an approximately nine-week scheme that includes bridge repairs, drainage works, re-waterproofing and reconstruction of the carriageway. Work has already taken place on the north and south end retaining walls, which necessitated temporary closure of nearby slip roads.
"A reminder that work to carry out essential repairs to the Gloucester Road flyover is continuing over the summer, which will mean the A38 access over the bridge will need to be closed for one week from Monday, July 20,"
A council spokesperson confirmed the plan for traffic movement when this first phase of closure ends. The northbound carriageway will fully reopen once the week-long closure is lifted. The southbound carriageway will remain open but restricted to a single lane to allow ongoing re-waterproofing and reconstruction work.
Local impact and mitigation
To preserve highway capacity while the flyover access is closed, the slip roads that have previously been closed for retaining-wall works will be reopened for the duration of this week. Motorists should nevertheless expect changes to traffic flow and possible delays around the flyover while the works continue.
- Closure period: 20–25 July
- Work scope: bridge repairs, drainage, re-waterproofing, road reconstruction
- Traffic on reopening: northbound fully reopened; southbound remains on a single lane
- Overall programme: roughly nine weeks, with further work on eastern then western retaining walls
Programme timeline
| Phase | Planned dates | Traffic impact |
|---|---|---|
| Week-long flyover closure | 20–25 July | Access closed; slip roads opened to maintain capacity |
| Post-closure ongoing work | Following week(s) | Northbound fully open; southbound single lane for re-waterproofing and reconstruction |
| Retaining wall works | Subsequent weeks | Eastern then western retaining walls to be addressed |
Road users are advised to factor the changed arrangements into travel plans this week and to follow signage and any temporary traffic management. South Gloucestershire Council StreetCare is managing the works; further updates are expected if the programme is adjusted for weather or other site conditions.
Information published by the council and the contractor will be the best source for last-minute changes or lane re-openings.
