Major Flyover Closure in Bristol Set to Disrupt Summer Commutes
So here's something to keep on your radar if you're driving around north Bristol in August. The A38 Gloucester Road North flyover at Filton — a key commuter route that links directly to the M5 — is going to be completely closed from August 4 through to the end of the month. That’s right, it won’t just be partial or overnight closures like we sometimes see. This one’s a full 24/7 shutdown.
This flyover sits at a busy junction near Gypsy Patch Lane, not far from major workplaces like Rolls Royce and the Royal Mail depot. Naturally, a lot of people pass through here on their way to and from work. With the closure in place, traffic will be diverted underneath the flyover and onto already congested roads that are controlled by traffic lights — so delays are not just expected, they’re pretty much guaranteed.
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Now, this might sound like a nightmare for anyone who commutes that way, but South Gloucestershire Council is saying the timing of the works has been carefully planned. They’ve chosen the school summer holidays — traditionally a quieter time on the roads — to try to minimise the disruption. Still, they’re being upfront: delays will happen, especially during peak hours.
The reason for the closure? It’s all about long-overdue maintenance. The flyover, which was built back in 1978, needs significant work to keep it safe and fully operational. The current phase involves replacing the bridge’s expansion joints — something that can’t really be done with traffic still using it. According to the council, the bridge has been regularly inspected and maintained over the years, but after nearly five decades in service, this deeper level of work simply can’t be put off any longer. Without it, drivers could have been facing permanent weight restrictions or more regular lane closures down the line.
Interestingly, this is the first time the flyover will be completely closed during the ongoing upgrade project, which actually began back in May. Even though it’s scheduled to reopen partially by the end of August, the full set of improvements isn’t expected to wrap up until December — and even that could shift depending on how the weather holds up.
So, if Filton or the M5 is part of your regular route, it might be a good idea to plan ahead, allow extra time for your journey, or even look for alternative routes where you can.
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