Motorists will be able to drive on a two-mile stretch of the new A417 ‘Missing lLnk’ replacement dual-carriageway for the first time later this month. The temporary switch will follow a weekend closure, including the A436 and A46 Brockworth junction to the Air Balloon roundabout, from 8pm on Friday 26 June to 6am on Monday 29 June, says Gloucestershire Live.

Once the weekend work is completed, motorists will be able to travel the two-mile stretch of the new A417, which will form part of the permanent, upgraded route.

The traffic switch will permanently close the existing A417 between the former Air Balloon site and the existing B4070 Birdlip turning, which will be later repurposed for non-motorised users.

Celine Acard, National Highways senior project manager for the A417 Missing Link scheme, said:

“The progress made on the A417 Missing Link has been truly significant, and this latest milestone reflects the dedication and collaboration of everyone involved in delivering this vital scheme.

“Once completed, the upgrade will bring many benefits that will transform journeys, improve reliability and safety, and bring long-term benefits for local communities, businesses and visitors alike. By switching traffic onto this new section now, it enables us to keep the road open for the travelling public, while minimising disruption and protecting our workforce.

“We appreciate the work is likely to cause significant delays in the area and we advise people to plan ahead, and to consider alternative routes where possible, particularly at peak travel times.”

The latest switch, moving traffic from the existing A417 carriageway onto the first significant section of new road from the Ullenwood junction (intersection of Leckhampton Hill and A436), 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 utilising the new Shab Valley interchange.

(Picture: Highways News)