National Highways says demolition of M5 bridges 'going smoothly'

National Highways says demolition work to remove two crumbling footbridges over the M5 is “going smoothly,” though the motorway will be closed both directions this weekend between junction 11 (Cheltenham) and junction 12 (Gloucester). The road is not expected to reopen until 06:00 BST on Monday. Terry Robinson of National Highways said the operation has been months in planning, and queues have already formed near Gloucester as thousands of vehicles are diverted to routes including the A38, A417 and A40. The Uphill Court and Grove Court bridges, installed 60 years ago, are being replaced by 2029 after freeze-thaw damage. Crash mats are in place during removal.