Scheme overview

The scheme would provide a new M5 Junction 9a south of Tewkesbury and re-route a section of the A46 between the M5 and Teddington Hands roundabout.

The existing M5 Junction 9 would be kept open to maintain access to the M5 from Tewkesbury and Ashchurch, but long-distance A46 traffic would largely use the re-routed A46. The existing A46 through Ashchurch would cater for mainly local traffic.

Why is the scheme needed?

The case for improvements to the M5 Junction 9 and A46 through Ashchurch has become more compelling in recent years. Improvements would address the following issues:

•          Congestion on this section of the A46 and at M5 Junction 9 means that both local and long-distance journeys are unreliable and take longer than they should
•          At peak times, queuing from M5 Junction 9 can reach back onto the M5 motorway. Queuing vehicles on the hard shoulder create a safety hazard
•         Developments which already have planning permission are increasing traffic in this location
•         Walking and cycling facilities at M5 Junction 9 and along the A46 do not meet current design standards. Along with the level of traffic on the A46 (including heavy goods vehicles), this makes the road difficult to cross and discourages travel by bike or on foot
•         Further significant development in the Ashchurch area cannot be delivered without additional capacity on the road network

Upon opening, the scheme would also provide environmental improvements, including noise level reductions and improved air quality along the A46. This would benefit the existing communities along the A46, as well as those travelling through it on foot or by bicycle.

What will happen if nothing is done?

Without the proposed improvements, traffic conditions at M5 Junction 9 and along the A46 through Ashchurch will continue to get worse and impact the daily lives of local residents and businesses.

The connectivity and capacity required for planned and proposed strategic housing and employment growth in the area would not be provided. The aim of the Tewkesbury Garden Communities programme could not be achieved.