Scheme background
Proposals for improvements to the M5 Junction 9 and A46 at Ashchurch have been subject to extensive study since 1993 when the Department for Transport (DfT) consulted on a proposal for a new dual carriageway between the M5 at Junction 9 and Evesham and an extended motorway junction.
In recent years, the case for improvements to the existing M5 Junction 9 and the A46 at Ashchurch has become more compelling due to increased traffic growth and the associated negative impacts on the existing communities in this area.
Both the M5 and the A46 are strategic routes with national economic significance. Improving capacity and re-routing long-distance traffic away from the existing A46 onto a new road would create opportunities to reduce the impacts of increased traffic levels. Improvements would also be essential to providing the connectivity to and unlocking the capacity for planned and proposed strategic housing and employment growth in the area. This includes the Tewkesbury Garden Communities programme, which will provide much-needed new homes and jobs in Tewkesbury.
Previous studies and public engagement
National Highways, the Government-owned company which operate, maintain and improve motorways and major A roads in England, has undertaken a number of studies starting with the A46 Scoping Study (2015).
This identified the need to re-route the section of the A46 between the M5 near Tewkesbury and Teddington Hands roundabout in order to reduce existing congestion and help support predicted future levels of traffic and future development.
Gloucestershire County Council carried out a public consultation exercise in 2017 consisting of a number of promotional events with local businesses and residents.
When consulted on the existing local road network:
- 55% of respondents were concerned about traffic delays
- 48% avoided the M5 junction 9 and the A46 at peak times
- 40% said that they would support improvements to M5 Junction 9 and a bypass for Ashchurch
In 2019, Central Government awarded Garden Town status to the Tewkesbury-Ashchurch location.
In Spring 2021, the Department for Transport approved the concept of a transport scheme at M5 Junction 9 and the A46 (Ashchurch).
In Summer 2022, Gloucestershire County Council submitted an initial business case (a Strategic Outline Case) to present a more in-depth case for the scheme and to request funding to develop an Outline Business Case
(the next step before Full Business Case development). An Outline Business Case would include recommendations for a preferred route option.
Gloucestershire County Council submitted further information to DfT in early 2024, including the potential route options that are now being presented for public engagement.
The Strategic Outline Case is still being considered by DfT. Progression of the scheme to the Outline Business Case stage will be dependent on Ministerial approval and release of funding.
Tewkesbury Garden Communities
The Ashchurch area benefits from Garden Town status; it forms part of Tewkesbury Borough Council’s Garden Communities programme. The programme’s aim is to ensure that housing and employment opportunities are managed in the best possible way by enabling comprehensively planned, connected communities designed to encourage good growth, helping new and existing residents to enjoy the best possible quality of life.
Diverting long-distance traffic - including heavy goods vehicles - from the A46 through Ashchurch onto a new road will be key to the successful development of the Tewkesbury Garden Communities. This will provide capacity for housing and employment opportunities, and crucially provide benefits to the existing communities, offering a more pleasant environment for residents and greater opportunities for walking, cycling and sustainable travel along the existing road.
To find out more, please visit: www.tewkesbury.gov.uk/garden-communities/
