National Highways plans to start work on demolishing and rebuilding two public rights of way for pedestrians over the M5 near Gloucester next month.

The Grove Court and Uphill Court bridges, which span the M5 between junctions 11 and 12, have served as pedestrian footpaths for over 60 years and have now ‘deteriorated beyond repair', according to National Highways.

The strategic road authority closed the bridges in March ‘for safety reasons', but the structures will now be demolished over the weekend of 16-19 October to clear space for ‘modern standard bridges' to be constructed in their place.

Both 69-metre bridges will be dismantled by high-reach excavators, with 440 tonnes of concrete and 14 tonnes of steel tendons removed from the carriageway before the road reopens for commuter traffic on Monday morning.

National Highways route manager, Ewan Greenhill, said: ‘Like many of our motorways and structures, the bridges have exceeded their structural lifespan, and replacing them will ensure the safety of road users and keep people and goods moving safely. Both bridges are public rights of way, and we're working closely with Gloucestershire County Council and others in terms of the replacement plans.

‘In the meantime, we appreciate the weekend closure will have impacts for the travelling public, we thank people in advance for their patience and our advice to drivers is to plan ahead, consider alternative routes and allow extra time for their journeys.'

Junction 11A northbound exit slip road will be closed for a week from 11 October and for a week following to create a construction compound for the weekend demolition.

To enable the demolition work, the M5 will be fully closed between junction 11 (Cheltenham) and junction 12 (Gloucester) from 11pm on 16 October until 6am on 19 October.

Over the weekend, southbound and northbound traffic will be diverted via the A38 through Gloucester, the A40 Cheltenham to Gloucester road and the A417.

Highways has approached National Highways for a cost and timeframe for the full programme of works.