Bad weather causes chaos on Gloucestershire roads (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Bad weather causes chaos on Gloucestershire roads

4:37pm Friday 8th June 2012 in Cotswolds news By Ian Craig

TODAY’S bad weather and high winds have caused chaos for drivers across the county.

The junction of the A417 to Birdlip and the A436 to Severn Springs at the busy Air Balloon roundabout was closed since around 1.45pm this afternoon after a tree fell down across the road.

Local highways manager for Gloucestershire highways Scott Macaulay-Lowe said council officers had attended to assist police with the incident.

“As this is a major road we dealt with this as an emergency and immediately dispatched highways gangs to assist police with the road closure,” he added.

“We had a trained arboriculture team on site with specialist equipment and chainsaws who removed the tree from the carriageway within 45 minutes and made the remaining area safe.

“The road was shortly reopened.

“Thanks to drivers for their patience as we dealt with this emergency.”

Reports have also been made of a downed tree blocking the road between South Cerney and Ashton Keynes, although the exact location is unclear.