Construction information and road closures

What road closures are happening?

The construction work for Section 2 Phase 2 - Cheltenham Racecourse Roundabout to GWSR Bridge will include two road closures on the A435 Evesham Road between Cheltenham and Bishop’s Cleeve, which are necessary for the successful and safe completion of the project. When finished, this phase will join both Section 1 and Section 2 Phase 1 together and complete the A435 Cycleway scheme.

The road closures on the A435 Evesham Road will be as follows:

Full road closure in both directions - 2 June to *22 September 2025: The A435 Evesham Road will be fully closed in both directions between the Cheltenham Racecourse roundabout and the Hyde Lane/Southam Lane junction. This full closure will allow the road over the bridge to be re-aligned to the west side of the bridge, in order to accommodate a two-way road and a new shared use cycleway and footway with protection buffer zone. Bridge strengthening and safety work is also being carried out as part of the changes. The full closure provides the required working space, will prevent damage to the structure of the bridge and protects the safety of construction workers and the public.

*Road closure update (issued 21 August 2025) - a two-week full road closure extension until September 22 is required due to additional work being identified for utility diversions and structural works on the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR) Bridge, which have unfortunately impacted the planned construction work schedule.

Northbound road closure - 22 September to 31 October 2025: A northbound road closure (from Cheltenham to Bishop’s Cleeve) will be in place on A435 Evesham Road between Cheltenham Racecourse roundabout and the Hyde Lane/Southam Lane junction. During this period, northbound traffic will be diverted and only southbound traffic between Bishop’s Cleeve and Cheltenham will be allowed through. The northbound road closure is to enable construction works on the east side of the road, throughout the section between the racecourse roundabout and Hyde Lane/Southam Lane junction, to be carried out. It is required to facilitate multiple sets of works to be delivered concurrently and safely, avoiding the need for multiple sets of traffic lights and reducing the duration of the overall construction programme. 

A435 Evesham Road closure plan

The Phase 2 Section 2 works are being carried out concurrently with the previous phases of work on the A435 Cheltenham to Bishop’s Cleeve Cycleway. This will ensure the entire project progresses efficiently and minimises the duration of disruptions for the public. It also avoids extending the overall project timeline and incurring additional costs. To reduce the overall impact on the community, the closures have also been scheduled to avoid major race meets at Cheltenham in March and November 2025, as well as the Christmas period.

During the full road closure and northbound closure periods, clearly signed diversion routes will be in place along alternative appropriate 'A' roads to guide road users safely around the works and reduce pressure on local roads. The M5 motorway along with local routes will continue to be available.

Details of the signed diversion route can be found here: A435 Closure Diversion Route plan

Road users are advised to plan their journeys in advance and follow the diversion signs carefully.  

Why is a full road closure required?

The road closure is necessary to ensure everyone's safety while making important improvements.  

To accommodate a two-way road and a new shared use cycleway and footway with protection buffer zone across the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR) bridge, the road over the bridge is to be re-aligned to the west side of the bridge. This enables space on the east side of the bridge to create good standards of width for shared use footway and cycleway, and a protection buffer zone between this and the road, in line with the Governments LTN 1/20 cycling infrastructure design guidance.  

The bridge itself requires strengthening, which involves installing support beams and repairing parts of the structure. Along with this strengthening work it is also necessary to make safety changes to the bridge parapet walls.

To do all this work safely, the A435 Evesham Road between Cheltenham Racecourse Roundabout and the Hyde Lane/Southam Lane junction must be closed in both directions. This closure provides the necessary space for construction and ensures the safety of workers and the public along with preventing any damage to the bridge during the process.  

Why is the northbound closure required?

Due to the nature of the work, a safety zone is required for the construction team, which reduces the road to a single lane. The project is programmed to utilise multiple crews working simultaneously along the southbound verge to ensure the project is fully complete by early 2026. This closure allows the team to safely carry out construction on the east side of the road, from the racecourse roundabout to the Hyde Lane/Southam Lane junction.  

While temporary traffic lights were considered, they would have caused long delays as we would have to use multiple sets of lights, leading to significant traffic congestion. By closing the northbound lane, we can keep southbound traffic flowing smoothly and allow northbound traffic to use alternative routes, ensuring a safer and more efficient work environment. 

Why has the northbound closure been chosen rather than southbound?

Traffic data for both northbound and southbound lanes showed similar levels of congestion. However, after carefully observing traffic during rush hours, it was noted that morning congestion from Bishop’s Cleeve towards Cheltenham was significantly greater. Therefore, to minimise disruptions, it has been decided to close the northbound lane. 

Will pedestrian and cycle access be maintained throughout the closures?

Pedestrian access will be maintained along the route throughout both the full road closure in both directions and the northbound road closure.

Cyclists will be able to walk with their bikes along the route throughout both the full road closure in both directions and the northbound road closure. Unfortunately, it has not been possible to provide sufficient space for a dedicated cycleway during the road closure period due to the construction working space required.

Will bus services between Cheltenham and Bishop's Cleeve still be operating?

Bus services will still operate between Cheltenham and Bishop’s Cleeve in both directions during the road closures via local diversion routes.

Some bus stops may be suspended or relocated during road and lane closures. Any changes will be clearly communicated at bus stops.  

 Any changes to bus services will be communicated by the bus service operator. 

The Stagecoach website with service updates can be found here: Cheltenham Bus Service Updates - Are Cheltenham Buses Running Today? | Stagecoach

How do I access the garden centre during the closures?

Access to the garden centre and properties to the north of the GWSR Bridge on the A435 Evesham Road will remain in place for vehicles from the north via the Hyde Lane/Southam Lane junction during the full road closure in both directions and the northbound road closure. This junction can be accessed directly via the A435 from Bishop's Cleeve and both Hyde Lane and Southam Lane.

How do I access events at the Racecourse during the closures?

The main Racecourse access at the Racecourse Roundabout will remain open and available to traffic during both road closures. This entrance is accessed using the Racecourse roundabout via A435 Evesham Road from the South, New Barn Lane from the East and Swindon Lane from the West.

The Racecourse also has an access to the north on Southam Lane, which is opened up for some events such as the Wychwood Festival.

Why are construction works not taking place overnight to reduce the road closure period?

Working at night presents a range of challenges and significantly increases safety risks. Nighttime operations are more hazardous than daytime work due to reduced visibility. The intense artificial lighting required to compensate for this not only disrupts the local environment but could also pose a threat to nearby wildlife. Moreover, securing the necessary permissions and authorisations for such lighting from relevant stakeholders is not guaranteed. Even if granted, these approvals often come with stringent mitigation requirements, leading to increased costs and potential delays to the project.

In highway construction, especially when working near live statutory apparatus such as high-pressure gas or water mains and high-voltage electrical cables, it is considered best practice to carry out these activities during daylight hours. Good visibility is essential to minimise the risk of accidental strikes. 

Certain construction materials, such as concrete and asphalt, also require specific temperature conditions to cure or set correctly. While warmer months may reduce this concern, unpredictable weather can still compromise material quality.

Additionally, many suppliers and support services are unavailable overnight, which can hinder progress and responsiveness.

Factors such as reduced visibility, worker fatigue, the need for additional safety measures and equipment, higher staff costs and limited access to resources can all contribute to lower productivity and significantly higher operational costs during nighttime work.

Will I have access to my property during works?

Access to properties should be maintained at all times by the contractor, but on some occasions there may be a momentarily delay as the contractor may need to assist with removing traffic management.

If there will be a period of time where access may be difficult to maintain, the contractor will inform you in advance.

If the road is due to be closed, then our advice is to contact the contractor in advance if access is needed during the closure.

The contractor will always be contactable to assist with access.

What happens in an emergency if the road is closed?

The contractors will be on site to assist with access for emergency services and in other emergency situations.

Will A435 Evesham Road or any other roads be closed?

Traffic management will be in place during some work phases to ensure safe and smooth running of traffic and the safety of workers and road users. This may include temporary traffic signals.

There will be lane closures required during the day for some work phases, with access along the road maintained during these.

Construction of Section 2 will see significant geotechnical works and earthworks being carried out, along with changes to the road over the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Steam Railway bridge. This means that the A435 Evesham Road will require lane and full road closures for long periods of time throughout the day and night to carry out these tasks safely and as quickly as possible.

Please see 'A435 Evesham Road closure' FAQ for further information.

Pedestrian access when footways are closed

The contractor will aim to maintain pedestrian access throughout the works but there may be temporary footpath closures required for periods of time. In such cases an alternative diversion route will be provided where possible.

Bus routes

Buses will continue to operate between Cheltenham and Bishop's Cleeve throughout the works, however buses will need to take local diversions during periods of full road closures. Some bus stops may be suspended or relocated during lane or road closures. Any changes will be clearly communicated at bus stops.

The contractors will engage with bus operators and the County Council’s Integrated Transport Unit around this.

How will we know about road closures?

The following media will be used to communicate any upcoming road closures:

• Gloucestershire County Council scheme webpage updates.
• Scheme bulletin.
• Letters to affected properties.
• Gloucestershire Cycle Spine newsletter.
• Contractor newsletters.
• Gloucestershire County Council social media.
• Contractors can be contacted at any time with enquiries.

Racecourse major events

Construction works on the A435 Evesham Road will be kept to a minimum during major events to reduce disruption.

Christmas period

Construction works on the A435 Evesham Road will be kept to a minimum leading up to and during Christmas and the New Year to reduce disruption during this period.

Pittville Park works

The existing path network through the park will be maintained during the work, with diversion routes in place if required during surfacing works.

The contractors are liaising with Cheltenham Borough Council regarding all works in the park.