At the start of this week, the A40 between Over Roundabout and Highnam Roundabout was closed overnight to switch the contraflow to the other side of the bridge. This marks the next phase of these works and a welcome step toward completion.

I know these works have been disruptive for people across the Forest of Dean, and I want to share the latest update.

The good news is that the bus lane into Gloucester is now available for public transport, which should help ease some of the pressure on our roads. I have also received further reassurance from National Highways that the overall completion deadline remains on track.

In the next phase, we will use new machinery and additional resources, alongside lessons learned from the first side of the bridge, to help make up time and minimise further delays. I know many of you are keen to see these works completed, and so am I. I will continue to press for progress and keep you updated as I receive further information.

I have also heard from many of you about the disruption caused by lane closures on the M48 Severn Bridge. You raised concerns with me about the lack of advance notice for some of these works, which makes it difficult to plan journeys. National Highways has acknowledged that it did not publish the information on its website as it should have.

People need to know about planned works in advance so they can make alternative arrangements where necessary. I will keep pushing for better communication and ensure the impact on local residents is not overlooked.

Alongside these immediate transport issues, I am also working to address the Forest of Dean's longer-term connectivity challenges.

Since I was elected, residents have repeatedly raised the need for better rail connections. For too long, our communities have had limited options, making it harder to travel for work, education, healthcare and everyday life.

That is why I am focusing on Project Elton, exploring the potential for a new railway station at Elton Corner. The first step is a feasibility study, and I have already begun engaging with Gloucestershire County Council, Forest of Dean District Council, local parish councils and Government ministers to build support for the proposal.

I know this will not be straightforward, and there are challenges to overcome. But I am determined to push this forward and make the case for better transport links for our area.

Recent work on the A40 Bridge and the M48 Severn Bridge, along with major road closures across the Forest of Dean, highlights the need for serious transport infrastructure improvements.

For too long, the Forest has been cut off. That needs to change.

Many of you have already participated in my survey, but if you haven’t, please have your say on my proposals for Project Elton.

As always, if you have concerns or experiences you would like me to raise, please get in touch at [email protected].