RIAT 2023 traffic warning for M5, A417 and M4: where and when it …

Motorists have been warned that roads leading to the The Royal International Air Tattoo[1] this weekend are going to be extremely busy. Up to 200,000 people are expected to attend the event at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds and many of them will be arriving via the A417 and A419 this Friday to Sunday (July 14 to 16).

The annual air show[2] is one of the biggest events in the Gloucestershire events calendar and attracts a national and international audience. People heading to the event – or using roads in the area – have been urged to plan ahead.

National Highways say traffic volumes are likely to be high on the main strategic A417/A419 road, especially around Cirencester[3] and Cricklade. The showground opens from 7.30am until 6pm on the Friday and from 7.30am until 7.30pm on the Saturday and Sunday.

Route signage[5] and messaging will be in place for all air tattoo traffic, and National Highways is advising motorists to be aware of increased volumes on the A417/A419, together with M5 junction 11A and M4 junction 15, as people make their way to the event.

Kathryn Wiltshire, South West Network Planner for National Highways[6], said: “The network is likely to see higher traffic volumes and the Fairford event is expected to see increased volumes on the A417 and A419, and potentially increased traffic around M4 junction 15 and M5 junction 11A. Our aim is to keep the National Highways network running while keeping all road users safe and informed, and we’re advising all drivers to check our traffic and travel information channels, to plan ahead and allow plenty of time for their journeys.”

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References

  1. ^ The Royal International Air Tattoo (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
  2. ^ annual air show (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
  3. ^ Cirencester (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
  4. ^ RIAT 2023: Seven things you need to know ahead of this year’s air tattoo (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
  5. ^ Route signage (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
  6. ^ National Highways (nationalhighways.co.uk)
  7. ^ our newsletter (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)