Many local residents who drive to Gloucester or beyond, using the M50, have complained about the lengthy traffic delays they have faced due to the ongoing roadworks to repair several bridges.

The work which began earlier this year also involved road closures and diversions. In April, Dave Lynch, Highways England project manager, said: “Safety is our top imperative and this is important work to repair damaged concrete underneath three bridges on the M50.

“We know that roadworks can be frustrating but by doing this work now we’re able to prevent further more disruptive work in the future and we’d like to thank motorists for their patience while this takes place.”

The Ross Gazette raised a question with Highways England regarding the length of time the repairs are taking. We asked: “Would it have been better to have installed prefabricated new bridges, rather than taking the time and trouble to repair old ones.”

A Highways England spokesperson said: “We looked carefully at all options before beginning work on the M50 bridges and concluded that replacing the bridges would have cost more, caused significantly more disruption to the local villages and road users as well as taking longer to complete the work.

 “Repairing the bridges will cause the least disruption and represents the best value for the public purse.

 “We understand people’s frustrations over roadworks and are grateful to drivers for their patience while these necessary works are carried out. Working closely with local partners, we are doing all we can to keep traffic moving, minimise disruption for motorists, businesses and residents and maximise safety.”