Have your say on new £219m M5 junction
‘Vital’ scheme could be open by 2024
RESIDENTS are urged to have their say on plans for a new M5 junction in the county. Gloucestershire County Council has launched a consultation about how it wants to change M5 Junction 10 so that road users can join the motorway in all directions.
The new Junction 10 would mean people travelling south from northwest Cheltenham could join the motorway without travelling across the town to junction 11 at the A40.
The project is expected to cost £219million and is scheduled to be ready for drivers in 2024.
The options consultation started yesterday, October 14 and will end on November 25, and a second consultation will be live next year for the public to talk about a proposed preferred route.
It’s being proposed as the western edge of the town is set to record a major growth in population, with more than 3,000 new homes planned alongside a cyber business park.
The county council is also seeking feedback on plans for a new road linking Junction 10 to west Cheltenham, an upgraded A38/A4019 junction at Coombe Hill and widening of the A4019 east of the new link road towards
Cheltenham.
The authority said the works will “unlock land for housing and jobs, and reduce congestion on local roads like Princess Elizabeth Way”.
Gloucestershire County Councillor Nigel Moor, cabinet member for environment and planning, said: “We have been working hard for a long time on our plans to improve this motorway junction as we know how vital it is to improve access to north west Cheltenham.
“This project will unlock land for housing and jobs and reduce congestion on local roads like Princess Elizabeth Way which will help to improve air quality in the town.
“I would urge people to get involved and have their say.”
To have your say complete the survey at gloucestershire.gov.uk/j10 where there is also lots of information about the options being considered.
You can also email M5junction10@ atkinsglobal.com or call 01452 426262 (8.30am-4.30pm Monday to Friday) to find out more and to request a consultation pack by post.
Sophie White, director of infrastructure grants at Homes England, said: “We are delighted that we are supporting the county council with this multimillion pound funding programme.
“This is an important milestone that brings us closer towards the delivery of the infrastructure that will enable the homes in the area to come forward.”
Highways England project manager James Lewis said: “Our roads are vital for the country and its economic success - they connect businesses and
communities and support employment and new homes.
“M5 Junction 10 provides a vital link for communities and businesses, and we are liaising with Gloucestershire County Council and Homes England, helping to deliver what will be a major upgrade of the junction.
“The improvement scheme will increase capacity, improve safety and journey times, and unlock the potential for new jobs and homes, and we will continue to work closely with Gloucestershire County Council and provide assistance and support as plans move forward.”