National Highways has reminded drivers of a “significant milestone” in the major A417 Missing Link roadworks in Gloucestershire in the coming days.
The A417 Missing Link project, the subject of a recent Highways Voices podcast episode, began in early 2023 and is not due to be fully complete until early 2027. The ‘Missing Link’ refers to a three-mile stretch of single-lane carriageway on the A417, between the Brockworth bypass and Cowley Roundabout in Gloucestershire, says Gloucestershire Live.
The road has been a hotspot for congestion, tailbacks and frequent accidents due to poor visibility and other factors. As such, National Highways has been working to improve the road with a scheme including four miles of new dual carriageway connecting the existing A417 Brockworth bypass with the existing A417 dual carriageway south of Cowley.
There will also be new junctions at Shab Hill, providing a link from the A417 to the A436 towards Oxford and into Birdlip, and near Cowley to replace the existing Cowley Roundabout.
From 6am today (6 July), the new A436 will open to drivers following a delay caused by the heatwave. It will be the first chance for motorists to travel along the new road, albeit just on a two-mile stretch that will form part of the permanent, upgraded route.
The latest switch will move traffic from the existing A417 carriageway onto the first significant section of new road from the Ullenwood junction (intersection of Leckhampton Hill and A436).
It will look and feel different for drivers, with narrower lanes and a 40mph restriction in place as they follow the new road up and under the green bridge and utilise the new Shab Valley interchange.
The temporary route will be in place for at least five weeks, with further summer road closures of the A417 and A436 in July to be communicated once confirmed.
The existing A417 will then be permanently closed between Air Balloon and the existing B4070, and will later be repurposed for non-motorised traffic.
Gavin Jones, project director at Kier Infrastructure , said:
“It’s fantastic we’ll see members of the public using this section of the new road for the very first time from Monday. This milestone reflects the commitment and expertise shown by colleagues across the project, as well as our close collaboration with National Highways and our partners. I’d like to say thank you to everyone who has helped us reach this important stage of the scheme.”
(Picture: Lucy Bridle)
