MAJOR repair works on a bridge spanning the M5 between Cheltenham and Gloucester are set to be completed a month ahead of schedule.

National Highways has announced that refurbishment works on Bamfurlong Lane Bridge should be completed later today, Tuesday, November 14.

Contractors MJ Church have been working with National Highways to remove the scaffolding and finish waterproofing and resurfacing the bridge - which is situated between junctions 10 and 11 - ahead of reopening it for traffic and pedestrians.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: The scaffolding surrounding the M5 Bamfurlong Lane Bridge during the refurbishment workThe scaffolding surrounding the M5 Bamfurlong Lane Bridge during the refurbishment work (Image: National Highways)

The bridge has been closed 24/7 to all motorists, pedestrians and cyclists since work started on the £4.6 million scheme in November last year.

Refurbishment works involved concrete repairs to the bridge decks, replacement of bridge bearings, removal and reconstruction of parapet beams and safety fencing, waterproofing and resurfacing, together with extensive inspection of the post tensioning cables.

The work was scheduled to be completed in mid-December but despite the weather challenges of this year, the bridge work has progressed well and will now be reopened to traffic this evening.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: The depth of excavation work on the Bamfurlong Lane BridgeThe depth of excavation work on the Bamfurlong Lane Bridge (Image: National Highways)

Heather Lang, National Highways’ south west head of scheme delivery, said: “We need to be especially diligent in any work involving our structures, the work is particularly complex, and we’ve carried out a lot of work on the bridges in this area over the last three years.

“A lot of our structures in the south west are now over 50 years old and we have an ongoing programme to fully renew our bridges.

“I’m proud of the collaborative effort between our team and our supply partners to enable us to complete the scheme safely and ahead of schedule. 

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: The resurfaced and lined Bamfurlong Lane Bridge ahead of reopening The resurfaced and lined Bamfurlong Lane Bridge ahead of reopening (Image: National Highways)

"We have worked in partnership for some time on these types of complex refurbishments and the team take pride in doing the best job they can. 

“We appreciate roadworks and closures can be frustrating but we’ve made every effort to ensure the impact on the local community has been kept to an absolute minimum, and we’d like to thank motorists for their patience while this vital improvement scheme was carried out.”