The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has granted £9.07m in funds for the Elmbridge Court roundabout upgrade, which would benefit commuters travelling through this route.

The total cost for the roundabout upgrade is £14.51m. The funding is being provided under the government’s Local Growth Fund, which has been created to improve road networks in the area.

The roundabout upgrade will ease traffic congestion at one of Gloucestershire’s busiest junctions, and also improve safety and public transport links between Cheltenham and Gloucester.

The funding is part of the government’s long-term economic plan that looks to boost local business establishments and help deliver better journeys for road users.

Under the project, a new straight-on lane through the roundabout will be constructed, and a section of the A40 will be widened to provide a separate bus lane running parallel to the existing westbound carriageway.

Works under the upgrade project are scheduled to start soon and are expected to be completed by August next year.

UK Transport Minister Andrew Jones said: “We are delivering better journeys for people across Gloucester.

"This much-needed work will help cut congestion and deliver a boost to business, create jobs and improve the local economy."

"This much-needed work will help cut congestion and deliver a boost to business, create jobs and improve the local economy.

“It will also help connections between Gloucester and Cheltenham.

“The scheme will see the construction of a new straight on lane through the roundabout, a so-called 'hamburger' arrangement."

In 2014, Wall’s and ‘C&G’ roundabouts were upgraded, which reduced the journey time for the drivers. DfT provided £2.19m through Local Pinch Point funding for this project upgrade.

Image: Elmbridge Court roundabout. Photo: courtesy of UK Department for Transport.