Early work has started on the £363 million upgrade of junction 10 on the M5 near Cheltenham and Gloucester, even though a £70 million funding gap remains. Ecological assessments and preparatory works are already underway on the long-awaited project, which will eventually allow drivers to join and leave the motorway in both directions. Full construction is expected to begin in summer 2026.

Gloucestershire County Council has held several public drop-in sessions this month to update residents on progress. Councillor Julian Tooke, cabinet member for infrastructure, acknowledged the council was taking a “financial risk” by moving ahead before securing all the funding but said waiting would have caused unnecessary delays. A government decision on the remaining £70 million is due by the end of December.

Local residents have largely supported the scheme, describing it as long overdue. Brian Bailey, from Boddington, said the upgrade “should have been done years ago,” while Bishops Cleeve resident Gary Wilson raised concerns about increased traffic near the Gloucester Old Spot pub, urging for traffic lights to be installed to prevent congestion and safety issues.

Once complete, the new junction is expected to unlock major growth in the region, paving the way for up to 15,000 new homes, 12,000 skilled jobs, and investment linked to the £1 billion Golden Valley development.