A40 Over Bridge Refurbishment - August 2026 progress update

As families prepare for the start of a new school year, we recognise that the return to school in September will mean more people travelling on our roads and that ongoing roadworks may add to journey times. We appreciate residents' patience and understanding while this important refurbishment work continues. To help avoid delays, please remind residents to plan their journeys in advance and consider alternative routes where possible.

Below is the latest progress update from National Highways:

At a Glance

✅ Scaffold installation under the bridge progressing well.

✅ Key milestone achieved: Contraflow successfully implemented on 28 July.

🚧 Concrete repairs begin in August.

The First Month

Throughout July, our teams made significant progress preparing the bridge for the next phase of refurbishment works. A key milestone was achieved on 28 July, when traffic was successfully moved into a single-lane contraflow arrangement. This means all traffic is now using the westbound side of the bridge, allowing essential repairs to begin on the eastbound carriageway.

To prepare for the contraflow, extensive investigations were carried out to identify and protect underground services within the work area. Works then progressed to remove sections of the central reserve infrastructure, including barriers, lighting columns and drainage features, to create the new crossover points. Temporary crossover routes were excavated, new drainage systems and underground ducting installed, and the carriageway was reconstructed and resurfaced.

In addition, pedestrian routes were improved by removing overgrown vegetation, sweeping footways and installing safety fencing to separate members of the public from the working areas.

Despite encountering some challenges, including a particularly robust concrete barrier, the team kept up with progress and the project remains on programme and is well positioned to move into the next phase of repairs.

Working Beneath the Bridge

Specialist scaffolding teams have been working beneath the structure to install an underslung scaffold platform that will give repair teams safe access to areas of the bridge that cannot be reached from the carriageway.

Because of the complexity of this work and its location above water, additional safety measures have been in place, including the use of a dedicated safety boat during scaffold installation.

Traffic Management Update

We recognise that traffic conditions were challenging in the early stages of the works as road drivers adjusted to the new lane closures and traffic management arrangements.

Since the introduction of the contraflow system, traffic flow has generally improved, particularly as road users have become more familiar with the new layout. We will continue to monitor conditions closely and look for opportunities to make further improvements wherever practical.

Progress Photos

Above photos: Construction of the crossover points.

Above photos: Installation of the underslung scaffold beneath the bridge.

August works

During August, our teams will begin removing the road surface and waterproofing layers from the eastbound bridge deck. This will expose the underlying concrete and allow repair work to begin. At the same time, contractors working from the underslung scaffold will carry out repairs to areas of deteriorated concrete beneath the bridge.

As these works progress, road users may notice less visible activities taking place on top of the bridge. This is expected. Concrete repairs must be completed in carefully controlled stages, with each repair requiring approximately 24 hours to cure before further work can continue. During this period, vibration from traffic, machinery and construction activities must be kept to a minimum to ensure the repairs achieve the required strength and durability.

Please be assured that work is continuing wherever possible. These are complex repairs, and our teams will continue to make progress while working within the technical constraints necessary to deliver a long-lasting refurbishment. We appreciate your continued patience and understanding while these essential works are carried out.

You can find further information on the national highways web page and an updated version of their Frequently Asked Questions.

National Highways General enquiries: 0300 123 5000 info@nationalhighways.co.uk