Public to get their say on new motorway links

Residents are being invited to give their views on a potential new route off the M5 motorway in Gloucestershire.

Gloucestershire County County has outlined five options linking junction nine with the A46 and Tewkesbury to relieve congestion at peak times.

They include three possible links for the western section, from the M5 to the Seven Bends junction, and two for the eastern section from Seven Bends to the Teddington Hands.

The scheme will rely on government funding but because it was in its early stages, no money had been pledged as yet.

Michael Bottriell lives in Northway and told BBC Radio Gloucestershire: "My thoughts are that it's needed. There's no question about the A46 at this moment in time - it's saturated.

"They're talking about [the work finishing in] 10 years' time. My opinion is that in 10 year's time, the situation will have changed, and changed again.

"I can't help thinking it's a little bit like 'shutting the stable door after the horse had gone'.

"Perhaps it's a little bit too late."

Phil McKenzie, a local resident, said: "I actually think it's a great idea. The traffic on the A46 at the moment is a car park.

"This bypass will probably get rid of about 50% of the traffic. Anything that they do to reduce the volume of traffic has got to be a good thing.

"I think most people certainly in Northway will be definitely up for it."

This scheme aimed to divert heavy traffic away from the A46, while improving connectivity, journey times and road safety.

It would also support a separate plan to build 10,000 new homes and create 120 hectares of employment land at Ashchurch.

The next steps were subject to government funding approval, which Gloucestershire County Council is waiting for.

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