Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Will Luker & Sam Ormiston

Brits baffled as they're forced to drive 37-mile diversion for THREE miles of roadworks

A man tested out a 37-mile diversion due to three miles of roadworks - with the journey taking him nearly an hour.

Local news reporter Will Luker drove along the diversion route starting in Poulton, in the Cotswolds, where drivers are being forced to take a huge diversion for 12 hours each day over the coming week.

Heading out of Gloucestershire and into the neighbouring county of Oxfordshire, a three-mile stretch of road has been closed for 10 days between May 2 until May 12.

Will decided to drive the diversion to see how long it took on a quiet Wednesday lunchtime and understand how this might be different at potential rush hour times, Gloucestershire Live reports.

The resurfacing works are taking place between 7pm and 7am but not at weekends or bank holidays.

Residents are being forced to take a 37 mile diversion due to local road closures (Will Luker/Gloucestershire Live)

He said: "Taking me over 45 minutes, the official diversion route I took starts in Poulton, where during the day you obviously already have to drive over raised ironworks at a low speed.

"Taking the A417 to Lechlade is incredibly simple enough and actually quite enjoyable for one reason alone.

"Well done Highways England for resurfacing the road through Fairford.

"When the potholes are filled it’s nothing more than a drive in comfort."

Continuing into nearby Lechlade-on-Thames, the diversion signs are clearly visible so there’s 'no chance of getting lost', according to Will.

Heading along the A361, he also passed through Cotswold Wildlife Park and the Burford roundabout which joins with the A40 - the trunk road which runs between London and Wales.

Despite a number of HGVs having the potential to slow you down, Will enjoyed a 'straightforward' drive along the main road.

Passing through the outskirts of Cirencester, Will said the 37-mile diversion - which may cause many residents a headache in the coming days - was actually a 'pleasant scenic diversion'.

He added: "It shouldn’t be too much of a fuss."

"I suppose it’s also a sensible diversion to use the main roads and not the B4425 through Bibury, although some may wish to take this option."

Some motorists may decide to cut through nearby villages such as Coln St Aldwyns or Eastleach Turville but Will doesn't think that’s a necessary route to take when you have the main A-roads to use.

Will said: "A417, A361, A40 and A429 - 37 miles in total and overall it took me 50 minutes considering the speed limits but you can guess that this may be more depending on traffic and time of day.

"Quite a lengthy drive, scenic to take in some Cotswold landscapes but spare a thought if you do live in Poulton having to endure the noise throughout the night, which will be worth it in the end.

"I’m sure the best advice is to try and get through Poulton before the 7pm shut off."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.