Work underway to save the A40 London Road in Charlton Kings

Following poor weather during 2024 a section of Hambrook House (Spring) Bridge on the A40 London Road, Charlton Kings collapsed and suffered extensive damage. The collapse revealed underlying problems that require a specialist and sensitive approach to preserve the bridge’s heritage. 

The bridge over the River Chelt is a historically significant structure, believed to have been designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. It provides a key link in the area and is well used by local residents and visitors. 

Since the collapse, we have been assessing the extent of the damage and liaising with the Environment Agency and utility companies to design a solution. Essential services such as live fibre optic cables below the road surface add to the complexity of the task and we’ll be taking extreme care work around the cables and avoid service disruption. 

Unfortunately, the depth of the bridge structure below the carriageway, the scale of the damage (and therefore the scale of works and excavation required to make the repairs), means that it isn’t possible to keep the road open during the majority of the works.  During the closure a signed diversion will be in place via the A435 Cirencester Road and A4336. The diversion route has been carefully planned to follow roads with a similar classification to the A40, to ensure they can safely handle the same types of vehicles.  

The closure is expected to be in place until mid-November at which point sufficient progress is expected to have been made on the structure to allow the works to then continue under 2-way traffic signals until the scheme is complete in mid to late December. Updates will be provided.

Cllr. Joe Harris, cabinet member for Highways Maintenance and Communications said:  
“Without action the bridge will simply not survive. The last thing we want to do is close a road but this is a big job and we must act quickly to save the A40 London Road. I appreciate the inconvenience this will cause to local residents and businesses and I want to assure you we’re doing everything we can to complete the work swiftly and safely. Please allow extra time for your journeys and follow the signed diversion route. We will keep you fully up-to-date on our website as the work progresses. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.”