DfT helps fund roundabout upgrade in Gloucester

A major upgrade to a busy roundabout in Gloucester has been given the go ahead, with the Department for Transport (DfT) putting £9 million towards the scheme.

The Elmbridge Court roundabout is one of Gloucestershire’s busiest junctions, with improvements designed to reduce congestion, improve safety and improve public transport links between Cheltenham and Gloucester.

Transport Minister Andrew Jones said: “We are delivering better journeys for people across Gloucester. This much-needed work will help cut congestion and deliver a boost to business, create jobs and improve the local economy. It will also help connections between Gloucester and Cheltenham.”

The scheme will see the construction of a new straight on lane through the roundabout – a so-called “hamburger” arrangement. A section of the A40 will be widened to provide a separate bus lane running parallel to the existing westbound carriageway.

Funding is being provided to the council through the government’s Local Growth Fund to improve the road networks in the area.

Works are scheduled to start shortly with completion scheduled for August 2017.

The total cost of the full scheme is £14.512 million, with the department providing £9.07 million.