The Highways Agency and Gloucestershire County Council are joining forces to improve a major transport route into the city, with an improvement package to the A40 between Over and Highnam in the region of £10m.

Managed by the Highways Agency, the dual carriageway section between the roundabout at Over and Highnam is in need of significant maintenance including complete reconstruction of the road surface, drainage improvements, safety barrier renewal and total replacement of the street lighting. This series of upgrades will be combined with the addition of a new bus lane to provide improved public transport services into Gloucester.

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Highways Agency project manager, Dave Sledge, said: "This essential maintenance will not only provide a safer, more reliable surface for road users but also enable Gloucestershire County Council's transport plan to be integrated into the works at the same time, reducing the need for future disruption on this important route. By designing the bus lane into our works, we are also able to maintain two lanes for motorists, meaning there will be minimal reduction in vehicle capacity."

Nigel Edgeworth, Projects Manager for Gloucestershire County Council also commented: "We are delighted that the Highways Agency has been able to incorporate this important public transport improvement into their plans, which will provide benefits to those who work and live in Gloucester. Working on the two schemes together will reduce disruption to motorists and keep costs low."

Final designs for the road works are being completed. They will be made available to the public through a number of information events to be held in early March prior to construction commencing in May.

(JM)