Drivers in Gloucestershire face a new phase of disruption this week as National Highways switches the contraflow on the A40 Over Bridge as part of its £7 million refurbishment programme. The A40 closed in both directions between Over roundabout and Highnam roundabout overnight from 8pm on Monday 19 October to 6am on Tuesday 20 October, with signed diversions in place, according to SoGlos.
From Tuesday 20 October until January 2027, the westbound carriageway between Over roundabout and Over Farm will be closed, with the contraflow switched onto the eastbound carriageway so work can begin on the westbound side. One lane of traffic will run in each direction under a 30mph speed limit.
The nine-month project, which began in June 2026 and is due to end in March 2027, includes repairing concrete, renewing waterproofing, improving drainage, resurfacing, new bridge joints, upgraded street lighting, new barriers and new signage. Over Bridge carries the A40 over the River Severn at Over in Gloucester, with around 5,000 vehicles an hour crossing at peak times, SoGlos reports.
The A40 connects Gloucester, Cheltenham and Ross-on-Wye, while the road itself links England and Wales, making the bridge a critical commuter and freight route. The date of the contraflow switch was chosen to avoid conflicting with planned M5 footbridge demolition works and the associated diversion routes through Gloucester.
National Highways says the repair and maintenance work aims to extend the bridge's life and reduce the risk of future unplanned closures for emergency maintenance. Although the overnight closure date was moved back because additional repairs were needed, the overall project completion date remains unchanged. Motorists are advised to allow extra time for journeys through the area and to follow signed diversions, with National Highways publishing weekly updates on the works as the January contraflow phase gets underway.