Bumpy road being smoothed out as residents benefit from long awaited resurfacing

How Caernarvon Road in Up Hatherley is looking after resurfacing began
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


It's been a bone of contention for many months, but finally a bumpy road often compared to the surface of the moon is being resurfaced in Cheltenham. Caernarvon Road in Up Hatherley has been notorious for potholes and there was much jubilation when work began to smooth out the surface back in February.

But joy turned to incredulity when the resurfacing project suddenly stopped leaving much of the road plagued by huge potholes that made driving down the route like a slalom. While part of the road near Morrisons was fixed, the road from Salisbury Avenue to Hatherley Road remained untouched.

That all changed last week when the welcome sight of heavy plant machinery turned up and closed the road in readiness for the resurfacing that is set to continue until Thursday, October 17. The closures are off-peak and not at weekends, so motorists and cyclists have been able to try out the new smoothed out surface.

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Speaking back in February, resident Helen Taylor, who lives on the part of the road that's still really bumpy, said::"I stopped cycling because it was too dangerous. I don't know if it's a puddle or a pothole."

Looking good
Looking good

Norman Freeman, 82, who lives on the part of the road that's now being fixed, said back in February: "It's absolutely ridiculous. I have been living here for 55 years. I have never seen such a mess."

In a letter to residents, the council said a road closure would be in place from 9.30am to 3.30pm from Thursday, September 26 until Thursday, October 17 - excluding weekends. There could be changes to this dates due to weather or other factors

There is an official diversion route of around 1.5 miles that takes motorists via Up Hatherley Way. The council says people may know other shorter diversions, but these routes are used at drivers' discretion.

The work will include the use of hot asphalt and large equipment and traffic will not be allowed through the road closure. Pedestrian access will be maintained to properties within the road closure.

If you usually park on the road, you will have to find somewhere else to park. Your car could be towed if it is obstruction the work.