The Elmbridge Court roundabout is opening at 7am on 22 nd September 2017 and we thought you’d like to know how it works.

Here’s the Gloucestershire County Council project manager, Scott Macaulay-Lowe, talking us through it.

Firstly, it’s worth remembering that whilst the roundabout now has a road through the middle , you’ll only be using that particular bit if you’re travelling down the A40 Golden Valley from the Cheltenham direction and wanting to continue your journey on the A40, northern bypass, that’s heading towards the Longford roundabout. The hamburger lane is one way only in this direction.

Secondly, whilst the approach from the A40 Golden Valley has changed significantly, the other approaches to the roundabout have not. They’ve been widened to increase capacity, the signals upgraded but, if you follow the signs and observe the road markings, it’ll soon be second nature to you.

Ok, so with that A40 approach from the Golden Valley in mind, let’s take you through the lane options.

As you move towards the roundabout, the far left lane is signed for the A417 and shown here with the blue arrows. If you’re heading towards Stroud, the Cotswolds and beyond, keep left – nice and simple.

If it’s Longlevens and the city you’re after, you’ll want lane two – as shown by the green arrows.

For Churchdown, move out to lane three, indicated by the yellow arrows, you’ll follow the roundabout circulatory, adhering to the traffic signals, until your exit beckons.

For Longford, Tewkesbury and the Forest, you’ll want the A40 Northern Bypass and for that, you’ll need the hamburger lane. Position yourself to the right on your approach to the roundabout, indicated by the red arrows. Both right lanes will line you up to enter the hamburger. Traffic signals will release you across and onto the roundabout and the two straight-on lanes. You’ll be held here, until a further set of traffic signals give you the green light to exit the centre of the roundabout and merge with the A40 Northern Bypass carriageway.

It goes without saying that your entrance and exit from the hamburger lane will only happen when other traffic on the roundabout is at a standstill, held back by traffic signals.

And that’s it.

Do remember, it is a roundabout and whilst you’re getting used to it, as you can always go round again if you need to.

All approaches and exits are clearly signed with accompanying road markings, well in advance of the roundabout. That said, and before it does become second nature, please drive with extra caution and appreciate that there will be many drivers experiencing this type of roundabout for the first time.

Please drive safely!