DRIVERS in the Forest of Dean are being warned of prolonged congestion and disruption as major bridge refurbishment works on the A40 near Gloucester are set to take place for much of the next year.

The work, being delivered by National Highways, will see essential repairs carried out on the A40 Over Bridge from June 2026 through to March 2027, with a series of lane closures, contraflow systems and full closures planned across different phases of the scheme.

This includes a long-term slip road closure from the A417 to the A40 westbound, as well as periods where eastbound and westbound traffic will be reduced to a single contraflow lane, all of which is expected to significantly slow journeys into and out of Gloucester.

For many commuters travelling from across the Forest of Dean, including Lydney, Cinderford, Coleford and surrounding villages, the A40 provides a vital route for work, healthcare and education links into Gloucester and beyond.

But residents are being urged to expect heavy congestion, particularly during peak morning and evening periods, with National Highways warning that significant delays are likely and alternative routes should be planned wherever possible.

While disruptive, the scheme is expected to extend the lifespan of the bridge and improve long-term reliability of one of the region’s key transport corridors.

Local road users have raised concerns that the knock-on effect could push more traffic onto already busy routes such as the A48 through the Forest, as well as smaller rural roads not designed for high volumes of commuter traffic, potentially increasing journey times and congestion across the wider district during the works.

National Highways says it will monitor traffic flows and adjust temporary measures where possible to help manage disruption with drivers advised to plan journeys ahead of travel during the full construction period overall disruption