Why are we seeing more roadworks on major roads?

Four months of repairs are about to begin at one of the West of England's busiest motorway junctions, with significant delays expected.

National Highways is set to carry out resurfacing and structural repairs at the M4/M5 Almondsbury Interchange, alongside the installation of new infrastructure, from 11 October until February.

The work is expected to cause significant delays at peak times, with slip roads and sections of the carriageway closing in phases.

At the same time, repairs and improvement works are being carried out on St George's Bridge on the M5 near Weston-super-Mare, and both the A350 and A36.

Here is why we are seeing more roadworks on main routes right now, plus a status update on some of the region's biggest schemes.

The primary reason for the increase in roadworks is the government's five year Road Investment Strategy, which began in April.

Unlike the previous strategy, the current one has an emphasis on repairing ageing infrastructure and a specific repairs budget of £8.4bn between now and 2031.

National Highways says this means more road repairs and, inevitably, more roadworks on major routes over the next half decade.

"Most of our network is between 50 and 60 years old, so this work includes maintenance to bridges and other improvements to keep drivers safe," said Katie Rawlins, head of performance assurance and business services.

"Our aim is to always reduce disruption as much as possible and we work with local authorities and other partners to plan roadworks, often months in advance, to help reduce delays."

National Highways also aims to start more disruptive work during periods when the roads are quieter, so we may be seeing the tail end of projects that were started during the summer, when the absence of school traffic reduces peak congestion.

Drivers can now use the A417's long-awaited missing link route in Gloucestershire, after years of disruption.

A new road layout between Gloucester and Cirencester has opened as part of a £500m project designed to ease congestion and improve journey safety.

It is the first time drivers can travel along the A417, which connects the M5 and M4, without having to negotiate a busy roundabout.

Lee Wise, A417 Missing Link senior project manager, told the BBC there was still work to do.

"Repurposing the old A417 for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, removing the old Air Balloon Roundabout, installing the final bridges and structures, and increasing capacity on the main A417," he explained.

"We thank users for their patience whilst we finalise this vital scheme."

National Highways' A36 Salisbury Corridor improvement scheme in Wiltshire is expected to cost £23m and run until 2031.

The current early-stage work is focused on upgrading road surfaces, pavements and traffic signals along the route through the city and has meant overnight closures in places and travel disruption.

Next year will largely see a break from major works while Salisbury celebrates the 800th anniversary of its Royal Charter in 2027.

Later stages of the project will see the Victoria Road footbridge and the Wyndham Road overbridge replaced, and structural strengthening and repairs to two further bridges.

Work is also ongoing to turn a stretch of the A350 near Chippenham, Wiltshire, into a dual carriageway, which has resulted in overnight closures and congestion at other times.

The project is expected to finish in November, but not before more overnight closures in October.

David Bullock, director of highways at Wiltshire Council, said: "The final phase of the A350 Chippenham dualling project is nearing completion, with the scheme on track to be completed in November, on time and on budget.

"For many years, high traffic volumes have led to congestion, delays and unreliable journey times for residents, businesses and other road users.

"This project will improve traffic flow, reduce congestion at known pinch points, support future growth and provide more reliable journeys on this strategically important route."

Repairs to St Georges Bridge, which carries the M5 over the railway line near Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, began in 2024 and will be carried out in several phases between now and 2030.

National Highways is strengthening the hard shoulder and carrying out drainage improvements in the central reservation, with three lanes remaining open in each direction.

A 50mph speed limit is in place, while southbound M5 closures at Junction 21 will operate overnight (10:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday) until 19 November, with a short diversion available.

The Longfield Gyratory roadworks project has replaced old traffic signals and aims to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in Trowbridge, Wiltshire.

Work started in July 2025 and ran into issues at the beginning of 2026.

But Wiltshire Council said it was now on schedule to be completed by the end of the year.

"The improvements have been designed using projected traffic growth data to 2041, when traffic levels are expected to be around 8% higher than today, helping to ensure the gyratory can meet future demand," David Bullock, director of highways at Wiltshire Council added.

"The scheme will also provide safer crossings and improved routes for pedestrians and cyclists, making it easier and safer for people to access the new leisure centre and travel around the town on foot or by bike."

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