Abnormal loads transported through Gloucestershire

Police have warned drivers that officers will be escorting two abnormal loads on a county's roads on Monday.

Gloucestershire Police said the large bridge beams, each measuring 41 metres (134ft) in length, will be travelling southbound on the M5 from Junction 8 to Junction 11A at about 10.30 GMT.

The loads will then travel up the A417 to the Missing Link project site at Cowley.

A further nine large loads will also be transported along the A4136, A40 and M5 on Sunday from noon.

The hospital modules, each 4.3 metres (14ft) wide will leave the Vantage Point Business Village in Mitcheldean before travelling on the A4136, turning right on the A40 at Huntley then eventually joining the M5 southbound at Junction 11, eventually heading to Dartford in Kent.

"Whilst traffic disruption will be kept to a minimum, motorists are advised to avoid this route during the relevant times or plan their journey times accordingly," a Gloucestershire Police spokesperson said.

Meanwhile the A417 will be closed this weekend for work on the Missing Link project.

National Highways said drainage and utilities are being installed on a two-mile section of the road between the A46 Brockworth junction and the Air Balloon roundabout.

The full closure of the road will run from 23:00 GMT on Friday to 06:00 GMT on Monday.

Signed diversion routes will be in place for northbound and southbound traffic.

Steve Foxley, Project Director for the A417 Missing Link, said: "We understand that any closures can be frustrating, but we carefully plan our schemes to limit any inconvenience as much as possible.

"Our message for anyone who plans to travel on the A417 is to avoid the area if you can – if that's not possible, allow yourself plenty of extra time to complete your journey via our diversion routes and expect delays."