The ageing 1970s flyover will be closed at times
The underside of the A38 flyover at Filton(Image: Google Maps)
Drivers have been warned of long-term disruption on one of the busiest commuter routes in the Bristol area. Essential maintenance work on the A38 Flyover at Filton is due to start today (May 19) and is not expected to be completed until December.
South Gloucestershire Council is leading the “major” works, which will affect the flyover at the junction with Gypsy Patch Lane until the end of the year. The area is home to big employers such as Royal Mail, the Ministry of Defence and Airbus, making it especially busy during rush hours.
A Facebook post shared by the council’s roads team last week explained: “Essential maintenance work on the A38 Flyover will start on 19 May and is scheduled to be completed in December.
“Several major components of the bridge are nearing the end of their design life and need to be replaced to avoid weight restrictions or road closures in the future.
“The seven-month phased project means there needs to be some short-term restrictions under the flyover – which will include the narrowing of lanes. There will also be some overnight closures and a full closure of the flyover in the summer months.
“Signed diversions will be in place and we apologise for any inconvenience these works may cause.”
According to the project page on the council’s website, the flyover at the junction with Gypsy Patch Lane will be completely closed throughout July and August with several individual overnight closures at other times.
What is closing?
Patchway Town Council has shared the following timeline for the next few months, with those relevant from today listed in bold:
- Parking suspension and lane 2 closure on the southbound off slip road – 19/05/2025 – 05/12/2025
- Lane 2 closure on the northbound off slip road – 19/05/2025 – 29/08/2025
- Road closure of right hand turn under the flyover from the southbound off slip road – 19/05/2025 – 05/12/2025
- Road closure of right hand turn under the flyover from the northbound off slip road – 18/07/2025 – 07/11/2025
- Some carriageway incursion on the northbound on slip road – 18/07/2025 – 07/11/2025
- Full closure of the A38 flyover – 28/07/2025 – 15/08/2025
Why is this needed?
The council explains that the flyover on the A38 Gloucester Road North is a 114m long, three span reinforced concrete bridge which was built in 1978.
Whilst it has been inspected and regularly maintained during its lifetime, after nearly 50 years it now needs significant work to make sure it can remain in use without permanent weight restrictions, lane closures or carriageway closures, the council states.
How will this impact road users?
During the project there will be varying lane closures and turning restrictions at certain times, the suspension of some on-street parking spaces and the temporary relocation of the northbound slip lane bus stop.
Both northbound and southbound slip roads will be reduced to one lane only for the whole time.
Access under the flyover will remain open for pedestrians and cyclists. The council notes: “We are phasing the work to minimise disruption as much as possible, however there will inevitably be some disruption to traffic, and journey times may increase.
“There will also be some unavoidable noise in the local area. Activity on site is being limited to weekdays between 8am and 5pm with a small amount of occasional evening and overnight working.
“Access to businesses and residential properties will be maintained at all times.”
When will the project be complete?
The work is scheduled to begin in May 2025 and be completed by December 2025, however as with any outdoor civil engineering works, this timeframe is subject to change, the council explains.