NATIONAL Highways representatives sought to reassure residents over months of disruption on the A40 during a public meeting in Minsterworth on Tuesday, June 16.

The meeting was held amid growing frustration about congestion caused by the £multi-million refurbishment project on Over Bridge, which is expected to continue until spring 2027.

Residents, commuters and local stakeholders attended the event to hear why the work is needed and how traffic will be managed throughout the scheme.

National Highways told those present that the project is essential to extend the life of the bridge, reduce the risk of emergency repairs in the future and improve the reliability of one of Gloucestershire's busiest transport links.

Over Bridge, which carries the A40 across the River Severn between Gloucester and the Forest of Dean, is used by around 5,000 vehicles an hour during peak periods.

Engineers explained that inspections had identified significant deterioration to parts of the structure, including 27 areas of concrete spalling on the underside of the bridge.

Engineers identified significant deterioration beneath Over Bridge, including areas of concrete spalling and exposed reinforcement, prompting the major refurbishment programme now under way.
DAMAGE: Engineers identified significant deterioration beneath Over Bridge, including areas of concrete spalling and exposed reinforcement, prompting the major refurbishment programme now under way. (The Forester)

Examples shown during the meeting included exposed reinforcement and failed previous repairs beneath the westbound carriageway.

The refurbishment programme will include repairs to concrete, new waterproofing, drainage improvements, resurfacing, replacement bridge joints, upgraded street lighting, new barriers and updated signage.

National Highways representatives said the scale of the repairs meant carriageway closures were unavoidable.

They explained that structural repairs to both the bridge deck and underside require traffic loads and vibration to be reduced while work is taking place.

As a result, a single-lane contraflow system will be introduced in stages, allowing traffic to continue using the A40 while engineers work on different sections of the bridge.

The current phase of works is focused on preparatory activities ahead of major traffic management changes later this month.

From July until October, the eastbound carriageway will close, with traffic running in a single-lane contraflow arrangement on the westbound side.

The arrangement will then switch between October and January, when the westbound carriageway closes and traffic is diverted onto the eastbound side.

National Highways said the chosen traffic management option was designed to keep the A40 open for most of the programme while allowing the work to be carried out safely.

Representatives also highlighted the communications campaign surrounding the project, which included postal notifications to around 13,000 addresses, roadside signs across Gloucestershire and Herefordshire, social media updates and direct engagement with stakeholders.

Residents were told that footways and cycle routes across the bridge would remain open throughout the project, while bus services are expected to continue operating as normal.

Emergency services will also retain full access through the works site.

The meeting came after more than a week of disruption following the start of the scheme, with residents across the Forest of Dean expressing concerns about delays and the wider impact on commuters and businesses.

However, National Highways maintained that the refurbishment was necessary to secure the long-term future of a key route linking Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and South Wales.