M5 Junction 10 Closure: Two Years of Disruption Ahead

Junction 10 of the M5 motorway, near Cheltenham, is scheduled for a comprehensive £372 million upgrade. This ambitious project aims to transform the current junction, which currently only allows northbound entry and southbound exit, into a fully functional four-way access point for motorists. The work is slated to commence in 2027.

However, the upgrade necessitates a complete two-year closure of the junction. This closure, expected to last until 2029 when the new junction is anticipated to be finished, has raised serious concerns among local business proprietors. They foresee "exceptional problems" impacting their ability to receive deliveries and welcome customers, potentially leading to significant disruptions.

Business owners like Peter Cassidy of Cellar Supplies and Clavell and Hind Brewery have voiced their apprehension, describing the two-year timeframe as "extraordinarily long." Terry Hill, owner of Noz-alls, also anticipates "a lot of traffic holdups" despite alternative routes being available. Both highlight that while the completed four-way junction will be a substantial improvement, the prolonged closure poses a considerable threat to business operations and cash flow.

Gloucestershire County Council's cabinet member for infrastructure, Julian Tooke, explained that the complete closure of the slip roads is essential to safely and efficiently execute the most complex aspects of the upgrade. He acknowledged the difficulties this will present but assured that various options were considered, with the chosen approach balancing safety, cost, and driver convenience. Withybridge Lane, a key connecting road, will also be closed during this period. The M5 motorway itself will remain operational throughout the upgrade.