Update on M32 Eastville viaduct works

Since starting work at the end of March, contractors have been making good progress with the removal of the central reservation barrier at the Eastville Viaduct on the M32. Over the last two weeks they have been removing the worn-out barrier.

They are now working to remove covers and install steel plates to 49 manholes and inspection chambers to provide a flat surface on which the new concrete central barrier can be placed.

They now moving into a new phase of work, with the overnight traffic management changing from the beginning of May. Instead of being closed between Junctions 2 (Fishponds) and 3 (Bristol City Centre), the M32 will be closed southbound from Junction 1 (Hambrook) and Junction 3 (Bristol City Centre). A fully signed diversion taking traffic via the A4174, A38 Gloucester Road and the A4044 Bond Street will be in place instead.

The closures mostly affect the southbound carriageway, but there may be times where they need to close the northbound carriageway too.

To keep updated with the closures of the M32, please visit www.trafficengland.com. You can also follow @HighwaySWEST on Twitter for updates.

If you have any concerns or issues regarding these works you can contact the Highways England Customer Contact Centre on 0300 123 5000.

Out and about finding out your views

Thank you to everyone who returned our survey in Coalpit Heath, Mayshill and Park Lane, Kendleshire. Steve Webb and Claire Young really appreciate you taking the time to let them know your views.

It was no surprise that protecting the local countryside, in particular Woodlands Farm, was a high priority. Also that both the volume and speed of traffic on our roads is a worry.

One concern raised by a number of people was the future of Coalpit Heath Pre-School. As a parent, Claire appreciates the importance of good childcare. We are very lucky in Coalpit Heath to have both an outstanding-rated pre-school and a community facility like the Manor Hall and as the local councillor she has offered her help to both sides in finding a resolution. Those involved need to be able to sit down and talk together, with appropriate mediators, to find a solution, as happened when a similar sort of issue arose at Crossbow. Claire has been talking to organisations that might be able to help.

Police appeal for crash witnesses

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision on the B4465 Wapley Road near Dodington Ash on Friday (February 15), shortly before 8pm.

A Fiat was travelling along the B4465 towards the A46 at Tormarton when it collided with a Hyundai travelling in the opposite direction.

The driver of the Fiat, a man aged in his 20s, sustained serious injuries and died at the scene.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is urged to contact the police collision investigation unit on 0845 4567000.

(Copied from our sister site for Yate, Sodbury and Dodington, who in turn thank Avon and Somerset Constabulary's local website for the details)