M5 junction upgrade decision hailed a ‘landmark’ that will unlock thousands of homes and jobs in Gloucestershire
Council and highways chiefs have welcomed the announcement that the Secretary of State for Transport has given the green light for the M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme[1]. This significant milestone sets the stage for delivering substantial transport and economic benefits across the county with work due to start in Spring 2026 and be completed in 2028. The approved scheme will witness the construction of a new all-movements junction at junction 10, offering access in all directions on and off the motorway.
The plan also includes a new link road connecting the A4019 to the B4634 in west Cheltenham and widening of the A4019 Tewkesbury Road, along with the introduction of new active travel facilities and flood mitigation measures. These enhancements are aimed at unlocking access to planned housing and employment development sites in the west and north of Cheltenham, with those developers benefiting from the infrastructure contributing to the cost of the scheme. The scheme will also boost capacity and improve connectivity in west and north-west Cheltenham, fortifying the road network for years to come.
Cllr. Lisa Spivey, Leader of Gloucestershire County Council said: "This is a landmark moment for Gloucestershire and a vital milestone for this nationally significant project. We're delighted that the Secretary of State recognises the importance of this scheme to the county's future.
"The improvements will not only unlock vital growth opportunities, including thousands of new homes and jobs, they will also ease congestion and enhance safety. We can now look to finalise developer contributions to the scheme and move forward with delivering the infrastructure our communities and businesses need."
The proposed improvement of junction 10 of the M5 near Cheltenham (Image: Gloucestershire County Council)
The scheme is being funded by UK Government's Housing Infrastructure Fund, administered by Homes England, alongside contributions from developers whose sites will benefit from the infrastructure. Gloucestershire County Council is leading delivery of the scheme in collaboration with National Highways and other partners.
National Highways Senior Project Manager, Rebecca Marshall, said: "We welcome the Secretary of State for Transport's decision to grant planning consent to Gloucestershire County Council for the M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme. This scheme will create smoother and safer journeys for all and improve travel times in the area. It will also unlock housing and business development opportunities, as well as improving access to and from the motorway for emergency services.
We'll now continue to work closely with the county council as they begin preparations to start construction." The public will be able to find out more at information events, which will be arranged shortly and held in the summer. Preparation works will begin this summer to enable the start of scheme construction from spring 2026, with completion anticipated in 2028.
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References
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