The A40 road near Northleach has been subject to several temporary closures recently, affecting travel plans for commuters and locals alike. The road closures are due to a combination of essential maintenance work and serious incidents that have caused disruptions on this key route. This article provides a detailed look into the reasons for the A40 Northleach road closure, its effects on traffic and local communities, and what drivers should expect in the coming weeks.
Background: Importance of the A40 near Northleach
The A40 is an essential east-west route in Gloucestershire, connecting Oxford to South Wales via Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds. The section near Northleach serves as a critical link for commuters, freight transport, and travellers heading towards Cheltenham, Burford, and beyond. Any disruption on this route causes significant knock-on effects on local roads and traffic flow.
Recent Road Closures and Maintenance Work
Between July and October 2025, Gloucestershire County Council implemented several planned road closures on the A40 between Northleach and nearby junctions. These closures were part of a rolling programme of maintenance works, including carriageway lining, drainage improvements, and urgent tree management.
Ash Dieback Tree Work
One major cause for road closures has been Ash Dieback tree removal along the A40 corridor. Ash Dieback is a fungal disease affecting ash trees, causing branches or entire trees to become dangerously unstable. Gloucestershire Highways temporarily closed parts of the A40 near Northleach to safely remove infected trees from July 21 to July 25, 2025. Working hours were limited to daytime to minimise disruption.
The council stressed the importance of this work for road user safety. Removing these trees prevents the risk of fallen branches causing accidents or blocking the carriageway. Pedestrian and emergency access was maintained throughout the closures with signed diversions in place.
Cat’s Eye Replacement and Nighttime Works
To improve road safety further, cat’s eye (reflective road studs) replacement took place between January 26 and January 30, 2026, with closures from 8:15 pm to 6:00 am. These night works aim to maintain visibility and lane demarcation, especially during winter months and poor weather. Nighttime works are preferred to minimise traffic disruption during the day.
In addition to cat’s eye replacement, carriageway lining and ancillary works were carried out between July 14 and July 19, 2025, from 8:00 pm to 5:00 am. Such maintenance is essential for preserving the road surface condition and ensuring clear lane markings for safe driving.
Serious Road Traffic Collision on A40 Northleach
On July 18, 2025, a tragic accident involving two heavy goods vehicles occurred near the Northleach roundabout on the A40 London Road. The collision resulted in one fatality— a man in his 30s who died at the scene. Another driver was taken to hospital and later discharged. Police arrested a man in his 50s on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Following this serious incident, the A40 was closed at the roundabout where it meets the A429 Eastbound towards Burford. Diversions were quickly implemented, and authorities advised non-HGV drivers to use routes through Northleach town with a 7.5-tonne weight limit. Traffic information from Inrix confirmed that traffic coping was reported despite the closure.
Police have appealed to anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage to assist with the ongoing investigation. This closure brought significant awareness to safety conditions at this busy junction and added pressure on local traffic management.
Impact on Local Traffic and Commuters
The A40 closure has affected residents, daily commuters, and freight operators in Gloucestershire and neighbouring areas. Diversions, longer travel times, and detours have been common themes during closure periods.
Locals reported increased congestion on alternative routes, including the narrow roads through Northleach and Burford, which can become bottlenecked during peak hours. The 7.5-tonne weight restriction in Northleach helps reduce heavy lorry traffic but further impacts deliveries and logistics services.
Transport authorities have worked alongside local councils to communicate updates, clearly mark diversions, and provide advance warnings to reduce disruption. Emergency vehicle access has been maintained at all times.
Official Responses and Updates
Gloucestershire County Council and Gloucestershire Police have been the primary sources of updated information regarding the road closures and incidents on the A40 near Northleach. Their statements emphasise the safety rationale behind maintenance work and the priority given to a full investigation into the crash.
The council’s Highways department encourages residents and drivers to sign up for email alerts and check their website for ongoing updates. Contact points such as the highways phone line (08000 514 514) and official emails have been highlighted for public enquiries.
Police have provided a crash reference number (Incident 12) for anyone wishing to report relevant information or footage.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
Maintenance works on the A40 near Northleach are expected to continue intermittently into early 2026, including planned night-time closures for cat’s eye replacement and other surface improvements. Drivers should monitor local traffic news closely and plan alternative routes when travelling during scheduled closure times.
Authorities are actively reviewing safety measures at the Northleach roundabout following the serious collision. Additional signage, road layout improvements, or speed restrictions may be considered to prevent future accidents.
Expert Insights on Road Safety and Maintenance
Transport and highway experts stress the importance of regular maintenance for safe driving conditions. The removal of diseased trees like those affected by Ash Dieback reduces risks that might not be immediately visible to drivers.
Night-time road works, while inconvenient, ensure critical repairs can be done with minimal daytime disruption. Maintaining road markings and reflective aids enhances night-time driver visibility to lower accident risks.
Following serious accidents, investigations often result in recommendations to improve junction safety, such as better signage, traffic calming measures, or redesigning junctions.
Advice for Drivers and Residents
Given the ongoing works and recent incidents on the A40 around Northleach, drivers are advised to:
- Plan routes ahead and allow extra time for journeys during closure periods.
- Follow official diversion signs promptly and avoid restricted access areas.
- For non-HGV drivers, use alternative local routes through Northleach, respecting weight limits.
- Stay informed via Gloucestershire Highways updates and local traffic news.
- Report any dangerous driving or relevant footage to police to aid safety investigations.
Residents living near the A40 should expect occasional night-time noise from works but recognise the long-term safety benefits.
Conclusion
The A40 Northleach road closure highlights the challenges of maintaining key transport corridors while balancing safety, environmental concerns, and traffic flow. Although disruptions have been difficult, the essential works and investigations aim to ensure safer journeys for all road users.
Authorities remain committed to clear communication and minimizing inconvenience, while expert insight underscores the necessity of these measures. Travellers are encouraged to stay updated on schedules and plan journeys accordingly as Gloucestershire prepares for ongoing improvements into 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is the A40 near Northleach closed?
The A40 is closed at times for essential maintenance such as tree removals due to Ash Dieback, carriageway lining, drainage work, and cat’s eye replacement. It was also temporarily closed following a serious road traffic collision in July 2025.
2. How long will the road closures last?
Closures for Ash Dieback tree removal took place from 21 to 25 July 2025. Night works for safety improvements are scheduled intermittently into early 2026. Full reopening depends on the completion of work and ongoing investigations.
3. Are there alternative routes during closures?
Yes, diversions are signposted. Non-HGV traffic is advised to use local roads through Northleach town, which has a 7.5-tonne weight limit to reduce heavy traffic. Drivers should follow official signage.
4. What caused the serious accident on the A40 Northleach roundabout?
The crash involved two heavy goods vehicles, resulting in one fatality. A man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. Investigations are ongoing with police asking for witness information.
5. Where can I get live traffic updates for the A40?
Gloucestershire Highways provides updates via their website and phone line (08000 514 514). Local news outlets, the AA Roadwatch, and traffic information services like Inrix also offer live traffic reports.
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