M5 Grove Court and Uphill Court footbridge replacement

We need to demolish and replace both these footbridges with new structures.

Start date March 2026

End date

Cost N/A

Latest updates

03 September 2026
Full weekend closure of M5 junctions 11 and 12 for footbridge demolition

We're demolishing the Uphill Court and Grove Court footbridges over the M5 between junctions 11 and 12. Their condition has deteriorated and we need to demolish them before they become a hazard to the M5.

Closures

11 October - M5 northbound junction 11a exit slip road

Closed 24/7 from 8pm on 11 October for around two weeks.

We're using the space to store the large machinery needed for the demolition.

Drivers can exit at junction 11 to continue their journeys.

Diversion route map

16 to 19 October weekend closure - M5 both directions between junctions 11 and 12 (including 11a)

Closed 11pm Friday 16 October until 6am Monday 19 October.

Diversion route map

Please follow the diversion signs, not satnavs.

Please plan your journey for a different time where possible or use alternatives travel options that weekend. Journey planning tools are available online. 

We expect the local diversion route to be busy. Only travel if necessary, and try a different time if you can.

If travelling between the Midlands and South Wales, consider the M50 instead.

Please drive considerately through local communities, as some roads aren't built for heavy traffic.

Other works nearby

Check these before you travel:
- the A40 is reduced to one lane in each direction with a 30mph speed limit at Over Bridge near Gloucester and is experiencing some delays. See here.
- The A417 between Gloucester and Cirencester has on-going works and may have overnight closures during the weekend. Details of any overnight closures will be published here.
- Almondsbury Interchange (M4 junction 20 and M5 junction 15) will have one junction closed between the M4 westbound to the M5 northbound. Traffic will be diverted via the M5 southbound to junction 16.
Please remember that closures can change at short notice. You can find the latest information on our daily closures page or check for current incidents, disruptions and delays. Our travel alerts give details of high priority incidents on our network.
06 March 2026

M5 bridge inspections J11 – J12 – Sunday 15 March

We're inspecting two footbridges that cross the M5 near Gloucester. This keeps the road safer and reduces the risk of unplanned closures.

Closure

Sunday 15 March - M5 both directions between junctions 11 and 12 closure.

Closed overnight (10pm – 5am), ending on the morning of 16 March.

Diversion

Follow signed diversions via the A38 and A40.

Please remember that closures can change at short notice. You can check the latest information on our daily closures. Our travel alerts give details of live incidents on our network.
05 March 2026

Footbridges closure in March

We'll close both bridges to the public from Monday 9 March 2026. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

The structures are safe. They're not at risk of falling down. We're taking steps to prevent more damage to the structures and protect the safety of vehicles on the M5 below.

We'll need full weekend closures of the M5 (between junctions 11 and 12) for bridge demolition and construction.

We'll give you more information when we have firm details.

See more updates

Project information

We’ve been closely monitoring Uphill Court and Grove Court footbridges that cross the M5 between junctions 11 and 12.

Their condition is deteriorating. We need to close them before they become a hazard to people or the M5.

We closed the bridges in March 2026 and plan to demolish them in Autumn 2026.

We'll replace Uphill Court and Grove Court footbridges with new, upgraded structures providing safe access for pedestrians, wheelchair users, and cyclists.

We're planning to replace the structures within the next five years, subject to funding and other network priorities.