A40 Over Bridge Deck Refurbishment

The works on Over Bridge include concrete repairs to both the bridge deck (topside) and soffit (underside), renewal of the waterproofing system, improved drainage, resurfacing, new barriers, a new east side bridge joint and upgrading of street lighting.

These essential repairs will extend the life of the bridge and reduce the risk of unplanned closures for emergency maintenance work in the future. The scheme will deliver a more resilient, safer and more reliable route for local communities, businesses and freight.

What to expect

Preparation works will begin on 8 June 2026 to install the site compound, which will be located on the verge area between the dedicated slip road from the A417 Over Causeway to the A40 westbound.  As a result, the slip road will be closed to traffic from this date and will remain closed for the duration of the works.

The main works will commence on 29 June 2026 until March 2027. These works will use a mixture of lane closures, contraflows and a reduced speed limit of 30mph for the safety of motorists and workers. There will also be some unavoidable overnight closures with a clearly marked diversion route.

This approach ensures the vital route can remain open throughout the works whilst maintaining the safety of users and workers.

Traffic management will be delivered in phases as outlined below.

June to March 2027

Full closure of the A417 Over Causeway to A40 Westbound Slip Road 24/7 for the duration of the works. Traffic from the A417 travelling onto the A40 westbound will need to join via the roundabout.

June to July 2026

Lane 2 closures in both directions with some overnight closures. Advanced notice of overnight closures will be given closer to the time.

July to October 2026

The A40 eastbound carriageway will be closed between Over Farm and Over roundabout. Eastbound traffic will travel via a contraflow on the westbound carriageway. One lane of traffic will be running in each direction with a 30mph speed limit.

October 2026 to January 2027

The A40 westbound carriageway will be closed between Over roundabout and Over Farm. Westbound traffic will travel via a contraflow on the eastbound carriageway. One lane of traffic will be running in each direction with a 30mph speed limit.

January to February 2027

Lane 2 closures in both directions.

February to March 2027

Some overnight closures for removal of all traffic management.  Advanced notice of overnight closures will be given closer to the time.

CCTV monitoring and a free recovery service will be provided for the duration of the works.

Temporary traffic lights at Over Roundabout have been considered. However, it is not expected to improve traffic flow at this time. Traffic conditions will be monitored throughout the project, with traffic lights introduced only if necessary.

Access for residents and businesses

Access for residents and businesses will be maintained throughout the project. However, right-turn movements will be temporarily restricted, requiring short diversions via the A40 Highnam and A40 Over roundabouts.

The eastbound bus lane will remain in operation up to Horseshoe Drive, where it will merge into the temporary road layout.

Help us to spread the word 

Please help us by sharing this update with your contacts and networks, as well as on your own channels.

We recognise that these works will result in disruption to journeys and may cause inconvenience for residents, businesses, and road users. We thank drivers for their patience and understanding during these essential safety works.  We recommend that users plan their journeys in advance and use alternative routes where possible, especially during peak periods.

More travel information 

To keep up to date with our work in the South West, please visit: https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/south-west/A40-Over-Bridge-refurbishment

or follow us on X at @HighwaysSWEST

You can also check out daily closures page, sign up for information about planned works or find live travel information on our Traffic England website.

Any questions?

If you have any queries or comments about the work, or would like further information, please contact National Highways Customer Contact Centre on 0300 123 5000 or by email: info@nationalhighways.co.uk