A417 Missing Link

Latest updates

• 25 March 2024

  An update on our programme of work this spring

  This month we’re starting offline construction away from the existing A417 carriageway, excavating the ground to prepare for the start of putting in the foundations for new bridges.

  Two full weeks of overnight closures, from Monday 8 April

  We’ll be closing the A417 overnight from the Air Balloon roundabout to the A46 Brockworth junction, starting from Monday 8 April for two full weeks. Closures will be weeknights and weekends and will allow us to carry out earth removal at several locations, lay new surfacing and paint road markings.

  Closures will be in place between 9pm and 6am from:

  • Monday 8 April until Monday 22 April, including weekends

  A diversion route will be in place via the A46, A40, A435 to A436, and has been agreed with Gloucestershire County Council.

  National Star College and Crickley Hill Country Park will be open for business as usual.

  The red line on the map below highlights the closure location, with the diversion route shown in blue.

  

  New online portal now live!

  We recently launched a new interactive online portal as an extension to our National Highways page. The portal is dedicated to the A417 Missing Link project and has all the latest news, including what we’re doing out in the community and the ways you can get in touch with the team.

  You can access the portal here: https://a417missinglink.com/

  Keeping you informed

  Come and meet the team at our next information event. This month we’ve held a series of public information events, where you were able to find out more about the project and ask any questions that you had. We have another event being held in April that you can attend, Come and join us: 

  • Wednesday 3 April between 2pm and 6.30pm - our engagement van will be parked at National Star College - National Star College, Ullenwood Manor Rd, Ullenwood, Cheltenham GL53 9QU 

  Out and about in the community

  This month we’ve been out and about in the community including visiting Gloucestershire College Apprenticeship Open Day to inform prospective students about available apprenticeship options.

  To celebrate Easter, we’ve been able to visit a series of organisations and charities and donate over 300 chocolate Easter eggs. We were able to donate to the Gloucester Hospital Children’s ward, The James Hopkins Trust, Women and Children Refuge in Gloucester and the Sandfields Care Home.

  We also celebrated Open Doors Week by welcoming 40 visitors to the A417 site who were able to take a "behind the scenes" look at the scheme.

  Newsletter

  The March edition of our newsletter is now out where you'll be able to read about the latest on the scheme as well as view the latest images. Click here to read it now.

  As always, we'd love to hear your feedback on the newsletter for future editions.

• 28 February 2024

  The A417 Missing Link Project has reached its next major milestone.

  We’re just about to start the next stage of major construction which will see earthworks start to excavate a new section of road from the Air Balloon roundabout. We’re doing this away from the existing route to minimise disruption as much as possible. You may have already seen the team carrying out earthworks which was for our new compound and car park area.

  We’ll be storing and then repurposing all the materials removed from the landscape throughout the build, helping to minimise the scheme’s carbon footprint and the impact on the environment.

  Upcoming closures

  Stockwell Lane full daytime closures (26 February – 1 March)

  We'll be completing work to clear trees and vegetation at Stockwell Lane. This is in preparation for the start of the offline section of the A417 works. To allow this work to be carried out safely, we’ll be putting a full closure in place along Stockwell Lane between Monday 26 February and Friday 1 March, between 9am and 4pm.

  The red line on the map below highlights the closure location, with the diversion route shown in blue. For residents of Cowley Village, please use the Cowley roundabout to exit onto the A417.

  

  A436 full overnight closures (28 February – 2 March)

  Overnight closures of the A436 between the Air Balloon roundabout and National Star College will be in place from Wednesday 28 February and Saturday 2 March, between 9pm and 6am each night. A diversion route will be in place via the A417, A46, A40, A435 and has been agreed with Gloucestershire County Council.

  The red line on the map below highlights the closure location, with the diversion route shown in blue. Customers and staff of The Golden Heart and Highwayman Inn will be escorted when the closure is in place.

  

  Burford Road full overnight closures (4 March – 9 March)

  We’ll be working during the night between Burford Road (A429 at Cirencester) on the northbound carriageway to the Air Balloon roundabout, and from the Air Balloon roundabout heading southbound to the Highwayman Inn on the A419 towards Swindon. The full closure will be in place from Monday 4 March until Saturday 9 March, between 9pm and 6am each night. The works involve tree and vegetation clearance in preparation for the start of the main works as well as carrying out ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys. A diversion route will be in place via the A436, A40, A429 and has been agreed with Gloucestershire County Council.

  The red line on the map below highlights the closure location, with the diversion route shown in blue.

  

  A417 full overnight closures (11 March - 15 March)

  We'll be carrying out work on the A417 between the Air Balloon roundabout and the A46 Brockworth junction for 5 nights to pull cables through previously installed ducts and undertake survey works.

  Closures will be in place from Monday 11 March until Friday 15 March, between 9pm and 6am each night, to keep disruption to a minimum. A diversion route will be in place via the A46, A40, A435 to A436, and has been agreed with Gloucestershire County Council.

  The red line on the map below highlights the closure location, with the diversion route shown in blue.

  

  ---

  Community events - come and meet the team in March and April

  We’re holding a series of public information events, where you can come along to find out more about the project and ask any questions that you may have. Come and join us:

  • Tuesday 19 March, 2pm to 6.30pm - Girlguiding Gloucestershire HQ, Deer Park, Cowley, GL53 9NJ
  • Wednesday 20 March, 2pm to 6.30pm - our engagement van will be parked at The Royal George Hotel, Birdlip, GL4 8JH
  • Monday 25 March, 2pm to 6.30pm - Shurdington Community Centre, Bishop Road, Shurdington, Cheltenham, GL51 4TB
  • Wednesday 27 March, 2pm to 6.30pm - Brockworth Community Centre, Court Road, Brockworth, Gloucester, GL3 4ET
  • Wednesday 3 April, 2pm to 6.30pm - our engagement van will be parked at National Star College - National Star College, Ullenwood Manor Road, Ullenwood, Cheltenham, GL53 9QU

  Open Doors Week

  On Tuesday 19 March, we’ll be opening our doors to give visitors the chance to peek behind the scenes of the A417 Missing Link scheme. Visits are scheduled for 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm and are for a maximum group of 10 people.

  To sign up, visit: opendoors.construction

  Newsletter

  The February edition of our newsletter is now out. Inside you’ll be able to read the very latest about the scheme, including updates on our archaeological work, and how we're helping to improve biodiversity. Click here to read it now.

  If you have any feedback on the newsletter, we'd love to hear from you!

• 31 January 2024

  A look ahead to 2024

  This January, we’ve been continuing with our preliminary works. As well as building a new site entrance close to the Air Balloon roundabout, we’ve been busy widening a section of carriageway on the A417 so that we can keep traffic moving more smoothly during the next phase of construction.

  In April, we'll be ready to start building the new section of the A417. This section is to the south and east of the Air Balloon roundabout and is referred to as ‘offline’ as it is away from the existing road network.

  Upcoming roadworks

  We’re now in our last week of overnight closures on the A417 between the Air Balloon roundabout and the A46 Brockworth junction. Weather permitting, our last closure is planned for Friday night. Should this change, we’ll share an update on our webpage at the earliest opportunity.

  Full overnight closures will take place in both directions between the hours of 9pm and 6am on the following dates:

  • Wednesday 31 January
  • Thursday 1 February
  • Friday 2 February

  An approved diversion route will be in place via the A46, A40, A435 and A436 and has been agreed with Gloucestershire County Council.

  

  Connecting Parishes

  Improving connectivity doesn’t just apply to the road! Connecting Parishes is a project that National Highways is working on, together with Gloucestershire County Council and the Gloucestershire Local Access Forum, to improve connectivity and accessibility of the Public Rights of Way (PRoW) near the A417.

  How is the project being funded?

  This project has received Designated Funding from National Highways’ ‘Users and Communities’ fund, which aligns with the ‘Walkers, Cyclists and Horse Riders and Communities’ themes. The purpose of these funding streams is to build new infrastructure and enhance existing facilities to encourage sustainable, non-motorised forms of transport.

  What is Connecting Parishes?

  The Connecting Parishes project seeks to reconnect PRoW between neighbouring parishes and the Cotswolds Way, which were previously severed by the Strategic Road Network.

  There will be a core focus on improving active travel, ensuring there are more accessible and safer active travel options which will enhance local connectivity for communities and allow more people to enjoy the Cotswolds National Landscape (formerly known as the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).

  Working with Gloucestershire County Council, who are leading on delivering these projects, Connecting Parishes consists of 18 different sections of Public Rights of Way which will link into the Air Balloon Way, the Cotswold Way or other promoted routes.

  You may have noticed some work has already started. If these works have impacted you, we’d like to thank you for your patience and understanding while we deliver this important project, which will offer many benefits to local people and visitors. We’ll share more updates with you and photos as the project progresses.

  Useful links

  Click here for January's edition of our monthly newsletter

  We hope you enjoy reading our monthly newsletter. Now, we’d like your help to make it even better. We want to know which stories you like the best and whether we’re sharing the news you really want to read about. Take a moment to share your feedback using the link below. 

   A417 Missing Link Feedback Survey 

• 08 January 2024

  New Year update

  Digging for Britain feature

  We’ve started off 2024 with some exciting news as the A417 Missing Link project is featured in the new series of Digging for Britain. The eleventh series of the popular TV programme went live on BBC iPlayer on the 2 January and the episode that features the project aired live on the 4 January.

  

  The project features in episode 3 at around 48 minutes in. We hope you enjoy watching it and find it as fascinating as us! This is just a small part of the important preparatory work we’ve been busy doing. You can watch the episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001ttqx

  You can also read more about the finds in our press release here: https://nationalhighways.co.uk/article/gloucestershire-s-history-uncovered-during-national-highways-improvements-to-be-shown-on-bbc-documentary/

  January closures reminder

  We’d like to remind you of the upcoming closures this month as we progress into the next phase of construction. We’ll continue our work on the A417 between the Air Balloon roundabout and the A46 Brockworth junction. 

  Full overnight closures will take place in both directions on weeknights only, between the hours of 9pm each night and 6am the following day (the road will reopen Saturday morning) on these dates:

  Monday 8 January to Friday 12 January

  Monday 15 January to Friday 19 January   

  Monday 22 January to Friday 26 January   

  Monday 29 January to Friday 2 February   

  Full weekend closure reminder

  On Friday 19 January, the A417 Missing Link will create a new site entrance near the Air Balloon roundabout, which requires us to close a small section of the A436 and the top of Leckhampton Hill over the weekend, between 9pm on Friday 19 January and 6am on Monday 22 January. 

  A diversion route will be in place via the A46, A40, A435, A436 and has been agreed with Gloucestershire County Council.   

  The A417 will remain open in both directions but the A436 will not be accessible from the Air Balloon roundabout during this time. Crickley Hill Country Park and National Star College will be open for business as usual.

  Full details of all these closures including diversion route maps are in our December newsletter, which you can find by scrolling down this webpage. It's under the 'Documents' section and click on the first 'Newsletters' tab.

• 21 December 2023

  December 2023

  A look back on 2023 

  As we approach 2024, we’d like to thank everyone for their continued support and interest in the scheme. We look forward to sharing further updates with you as we move into the next stage of construction. From the whole of the A417 team, we’d like to wish you a happy and safe festive season and best wishes for the new year.  

   

  Upcoming closures in the new year 

  As we progress to the next phase of construction there will be some closures in January. We’ll continue our work on the A417 between the Air Balloon roundabout and A46 Brockworth junction. Full overnight closures will take place in both directions on weeknights only, between 9pm and 6am on: 

  Monday 8 – Friday 12 January 

  Monday 15 – Friday 19 January   

  Monday 22 – Friday 26 January   

  Monday 29 January – Friday 2 February   

  

   

  Weekend closure confirmed for January  

  On Friday 19 January, the A417 Missing Link will create a new site entrance near the Air Balloon roundabout, which requires us to close a small section of the A436 and the top of Leckhampton Hill between 9pm on Friday 19 January and 6am Monday 22 January. 

  A diversion route will be in place via the A46, A40, A435, A436 and has been agreed with Gloucestershire County Council.   

  The A417 will remain open in both directions but the A436 will not be accessible from the Air Balloon roundabout during this time. Crickley Hill Country Park and National Star College will be open for business as usual.  

  

   

  The Air Balloon pub 

  As you may have seen, demolition of the Air Balloon pub has now been completed. This was a necessary step to make way for the new A417 Missing Link road, which we will start to build early in the new year. 

  We understand how many of you value the history of the pub and, recognising that it was named after one of the first British balloon flights, we’re proposing to call a section of the repurposed A417, the Air Balloon Way. 

  We’re also planning to reuse as much of the building materials as possible and are exploring the possibility of using some of it to create installations and outdoor furniture for the local area that celebrate its cherished history. We already have a local carpenter lined up to make some benches that will eventually be located on the new and improved walking, cycling and horse riding network for all to enjoy. 

  We’ve started to clear vegetation in preparation for the next phase of construction. All vegetation clearance is being done sensitively, under the watchful eye of an independent arboricultural clerk of works. Site-wide inspections of trees and vegetation, ecological surveys and mitigation to protect trees and local bat populations were done prior to this work commencing. Wherever possible we will be replacing lost vegetation and trees, which will over time help screen the new road and create new habitats and habitat connections for native wildlife to flourish. 

   

  If you have any questions or would like to find out more, we’ll be planning a series of public information events in spring 2024, so please do come along and speak with a member of the project team. 

   

  Useful links 

  A417 Missing Link update - December 2023 (office.com) 

• 01 December 2023

  Seal of approval paves way for main construction

  We’ve been working hard behind the scenes with local authorities and statutory bodies to ensure that planning conditions (requirements), as set out in our Development Consent Order, are met and signed-off (discharged) by the Secretary of State for Transport ahead of main construction. 

  A key milestone for the project, this task has now been completed and means we can start the main build in early 2024.  

  As we move towards this next phase you will start to see vegetation clearance along the route, which is being carried out under the watchful eye of a specialist clerk of works. 

   

  Secretary of State speaks about the scheme 

  In this short video, Rt Hon Mark Harper MP talks about the A417 Missing Link project during his recent visit to site. The Secretary of State is joined by Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, CEO National Highways Nick Harris, Project Director Kevin Jones and Environmental Laad Kris Atkins.

   

  What’s happening next?  

  Take a moment to watch this new animation video which explains how we are phasing construction of the A417 Missing Link. 

   

  Find out more: 

  We've issued the latest A417 Missing Link newsletter for November, which you can view here or scroll down, where you’ll find all of them in one place.  

  View the latest project timeline in the resource pack by scrolling down this page.

   

  Success as project secures prestigious NIPA award 

  We’re delighted to share that the A417 Missing Link project has been named winner of the National Infrastructure Planning Association (NIPA) Infrastructure Award 2023. The award recognises best practice for planning, design, development and delivery of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. Commendations were given for “genuinely listening to stakeholders and changing design accordingly”. 

  The success of this project, through preliminary design, planning and Development Consent, has only been possible thanks to our stakeholders and the collaborative relationships we have with you.  

  Our shared goal has been to deliver much needed improvements to tackle the long-standing congestion and safety issues on this road, whilst conserving and enhancing the special character of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  

  A huge thank you goes to the local MPs, Cotswolds National Landscape, National Trust, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, our colleagues at Gloucestershire County Council, Cotswold District Council, Tewkesbury Borough Council, landowners and local communities. Every one of our stakeholders and partners has been key to shaping the scheme and its landscape-led vision. 

  We will continue to engage, keep you informed and ask for your support as we move through the construction phase. 

  

• 31 October 2023

  The Secretary of State for Transport visits the A417 

  We recently welcomed the Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper MP onto site for a guided tour and to see the progress we’ve made so far.  

  He heard first-hand how the project will benefit local people and businesses and talked to archaeologists and ecologists, who have been on site for the past eight months, investigating and documenting the history of the area and putting in measures to protect local wildlife and habitats.   

  

  Photo: National Highways Chief Executive Nick Harris, Cllr Mark Hawthorne, Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, Richard Graham MP, Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper MP, Siobhan Baillie MP, Alex Chalk MP, Laurence Robertson MP, Kier CEO Andrew Davies

  The Secretary of State’s visit comes as the project enters the next phase of construction. Having progressed preliminary construction works, including archaeology and biodiversity enhancements, the scheme will now look to the next stage of enabling works, which includes the widening of the A417 at Crickley Hill. 

  Read this and other stories about the A417 Missing Link scheme in our October newsletter: https://sway.office.com/7RX3FRveqFpZox0a?ref=Link 

  Upcoming closures and roadworks this autumn  

  If you’ll be using the A417 this autumn, please plan ahead as upcoming road closures and roadworks may affect your journey. 

  We’re currently widening the A417 at Crickley Hill. To conduct these works the A417 is being closed overnight (between 8pm and 6am) in both directions between:

  Monday 30 October – Thursday 2 November

  Monday 6 – Friday 10 November

  Monday 13 – Friday 17 November

  Monday 20 – Friday 24 November

  Monday 27 – Wednesday 29 November

  Friday 1 December

  Please note we have added an extra overnight closure on Friday 10 November.

  You can also read our information leaflet: A417 Crickley Hill widening information leaflet. 

  Due to the recent adverse weather and localised flooding in the area, the site access work and associated weekend road closure of the A436 between 10 – 13 November has been postponed until the new year. We will be in touch as soon as a new date is confirmed, and we will give plenty of notice so people can plan their journeys ahead. 

  In the meantime, we need to undertake some survey work at this location and will have some traffic lights in operation between 9pm and 6am, Monday 6 November to Thursday 9 November. This work will be done overnight to minimise disruption. Please follow the signage as there will be one way traffic during these works.

• 29 September 2023

  Upcoming closures this autumn

  If you’ll be using the A417 or A436 this autumn, please plan ahead as these upcoming road closures may affect your journey.

  We're about to start some vital enabling work, which must be done before we can start to build the new road. These works will require some road closures in October and November. 

  Overnight closures on the A417 

  For around seven weeks from October 16, we’ll be widening a small section of the A417 at Crickley Hill. This is so we can keep traffic moving during phase two of the project in 2025. The A417 will be closed at this location overnight (8pm–6am) in both directions on the following dates:  

  • Monday 16 – Friday 20 October 
  • Monday 23 – Friday 27 October 
  • Monday 30 October – Thursday 2 November 
  • Monday 6 – Thursday 9 November 
  • Monday 13 – Friday 17 November 
  • Monday 20 – Friday 24 November 
  • Monday 27 – Wednesday 29 November 
  • Friday 1 December 

  For diversion route map, see below.  

  Full weekend closure in November  

  In November we’ll need to close a small section of the A436 and the top of Leckhampton Hill to build a new site entrance. This is near the existing Air Balloon roundabout. The closure will be in place between 9pm Friday 10 November and 5am Monday 13 November.  

  For diversion route map, see below. Please note that Crickley Hill Country Park and National Star College will be open for business as usual.

  Diversion routes 

  The closures have been carefully timed to minimise disruption to motorists. Clearly sign-posted diversions will be in place and access will be maintained at all times for residents and emergency services. 

  Crickley Hill widening works diversion route:

  

  A436 site access works diversion route:

  

  Links to more information:  

  A417 Missing Link newsletter – September update 

  A417 Crickley Hill widening information leaflet

  A436 site entrance information leaflet

   

  Public information events

  If you'd like more information, come and speak to a member of our team at one of these public information events:  

  Wednesday 4 October, 2pm-7.30pm – The Girl Guides Hall, Deer Park, Cowley, GL53 9NJ 

  Monday 9 October, 2pm-7.30pm – our engagement van will be parked at National Star College, Ullenwood Manor Road, Ullenwood, Cheltenham, GL53 9QU 

  Wednesday 11 October, 2pm-7.30pm – our engagement van will be parked at The Royal George Hotel, Birdlip, GL4 8JH 

  Monday 16 October, 9am-4.30pm – our engagement van will be parked outside of M&S Cheltenham, 173 High St, Cheltenham, GL50 1DF

• 20 September 2023

  To the bat cave! National Highways helps support UK bat species along the A417 Missing Link

  Converting a World War II bunker for wildlife is just one of the innovative measures National Highways is taking to help support UK species of bats that have made their home in Gloucestershire.   

  The converted structure will be home to the Lesser Horseshoe, Brown Long Eared and other species of bats.  

  National Highways is also installing bat boxes in suitable habitat across the scheme, which although not obvious to passing motorists, provide vital homes for the bats.  

  In addition, ecologists will utilise a widely used and accepted tree aging technique for young trees and create roosts that mimics crevices only found on older more mature trees.  

  Three other bat structures will also be created as part of the scheme, and we will plant trees, hedges, woodland and grasslands to improve their foraging habitats. 

  To ensure local bat populations are properly supported during the build, we’ve got a team of Ecologists on site at all times to ensure these mitigation measures are implemented correctly. 

  Work on the scheme goes beyond bats though, with ecologists continuing to relocate reptiles away from construction areas including baby common lizards, slow worms, Roman snails and adders.

  

  Caption: The converted World War II bunker, which will eventually be covered by vegetation and hidden from sight, is one innovative way National Highways is helping to support bats and wildlife

• 28 July 2023

  Festival of Archaeology 2023

  The Festival of Archaeology, run by the Council for British Archaeology in July, aims to get everyone thinking about and involved in archaeology. We want to do our bit, so we’re shining the spotlight on this interesting and rewarding job! 

  Have you ever considered being an archaeologist? Our colleague From Cotswold Oxford Archaeology William tells us more about what’s involved in our latest newsletter which has been published today

  “On the A417 project, a typical day for me starts with a safety briefing. We then get to work, excavating and cleaning (hopefully!) archaeological features. Anything I find is recorded. I take photographs, draw a picture, write detailed notes, and interpret what the finds could be. This information will be included in a report that will be published for all to see. 

  “I also collect soil samples, so that we can see what vegetation was growing there at the time, what crops were being farmed in the area and even what people were eating! 

  “The A417 missing link project has been very interesting so far. One of the best things about this job is not knowing what you might learn and discover one day to the next. It isn’t all about finding treasure - although some would be nice!”

  

  Photo: William Sibley

• 30 June 2023

  New defibrillators to save lives along Missing Link

  We’ve installed a brand-new defibrillator at The Green Dragon Inn in Cowley, as part of an initiative to improve access to this life-saving equipment in local communities.  

  This is the first of four defibrillators that we’re installing in Gloucestershire in partnership with Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) and the Sam Polledri Foundation.  

  GWAAC medics were on hand at the unveiling, to teach the A417 project team and members of the public CPR and show us how to operate the new machine.  

  The defibrillators are being funded through National Highways’ social value fund, which is part of a wider commitment to give back to communities along our network. To find out more, visit: https://nationalhighways.co.uk/about-us/social-value-and-national-highways/   

  For more information about this and what the project team have been up to this month, read our latest newsletter

  

  Photo: L-R: Sam’s mum Louise, Emma Fawcett from GWAAC, Gavin Jones from Kier, and Mike Goddard and Will Barker from National Highways  

• 02 June 2023

  Upgrading the A417 – A417 anecdotes

  As construction draws closer, we’ve been reflecting on why the A417 Missing Link project is so important and have been talking to people about what the scheme means to them.

  We're released a series of videos, the first of which focuses on the benefits of the project: to make everyone's journeys safer, smoother and more reliable, improve local people’s quality of life by reducing rat running and support economic growth in the region. 

  In this video we hear from Sir Geoffrey Clifton Brown MP and the Leader of Gloucestershire County Council, Cllr Mark Hawthorne about the what the scheme will mean for local people: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AjwS-ykNTI

  

  Scroll down to view the ‘A417 Anecdotes’ section on this page to see more.

  For the latest project news, view our newly published newsletter

• 16 May 2023

  Preparatory work well underway

  For those living locally or using the A417, you will have noticed lots of activity going on near the Air Balloon roundabout and Fly-up 417 Bike Park. You will have also noticed that we’ve set-up several small site offices, which include welfare facilities for the ecologists and archaeologists working on site.  

  All of this activity is part of the preparatory work we are doing ahead of construction in the autumn. 

  Our team of archaeologists are currently working at six locations in the area, and since the end of February, have removed approximately 8000 cubic metres of soil in their search for historical features and artefacts that can tell us more about the area and the people that once lived there. 

  We’ve also got ecologists on site who have been prepping archaeological research areas before work starts, for example putting up retile fencing to keep them away from work areas, checking for ground nesting birds and installing kite hawks to discourage skylarks from landing on site. These measures are ensuring local wildlife is protected.   

  To find out more about the preparatory work we are doing read our latest newsletter which was published on 22 April. 

  

  Birdlip and the surrounding area is rich in history: the existing A417 largely follows the former Roman road between Cirencester and Gloucester and Birdlip itself is a historical Roman settlement. Picture shows topsoil being stripped from archaeological research areas. 

• 22 April 2023

  Environmental protection a top priority

  We’re really proud of all the work we’re doing to protect the local environment and archaeology ahead of construction in the autumn.  

  Today is Earth Day 2023 and as one of our top priorities, you can learn about our environmental commitments and see what ecological mitigation we’re doing ahead of construction in the autumn. We've produced some handouts to help explain the steps we're taking:

  • How we're tackling climate change
  • Environmental mitigations

  

  Photo: Red tailed bumble bee

  Preparatory work is progressing well and to programme. Over the last month we’ve been investigating archaeology in three identified research areas and ecologists have been on site surveying birds and enhancing nearby reptile habitats.

  We’ve published April’s A417 Missing Link newsletter which gives you the latest project news and more information about what we’ve been doing out on site over the last month.

  

  Photo credit: Oxford Cotswold Archaeology

• 20 March 2023

  Preparatory work starts ahead of construction in the autumn

  There’s lots of work that needs to be done before construction begins in the autumn.

  If you’re in the area, you will start to see some local public rights of ways being diverted and people out on site undertaking archaeological digs and installing environmental mitigation such as animal fencing and bat boxes to protect local wildlife.  Later in the year, you will also start seeing people setting up construction site offices and protecting nearby utilities so they are not impacted by the build.   

  To find out more about preparatory work and see a timeline of activity, read our latest newsletter. You can also view our archaeology and environmental mitigation information graphics which summarise this work here:

  • A417 Missing Link archaeology infographic
  • A417 Missing Link environmental mitigation infographic

• 27 February 2023

  Project update

  

  The Secretary of State for Transport gave the A417 Missing Link project the go-ahead on 16 November 2022. No challenges were made to this decision and since then, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to make sure we are ready to start construction in autumn 2023. 

  We have been working closely with local authorities and other stakeholders to ensure that all the necessary Development Consent Order (DCO) Requirements are met before we start preparatory work and construction. DCO Requirements are things that we and our contractor Kier must do by law before, during and following construction. You can view all the DCO documents, including a full list of Requirements further down this webpage under the ‘Documents’ heading.

  We’re now gearing up to start preparatory work. Over the next couple of weeks, you will start to see people in high-visibility jackets out on site. Watch this space for lots more information about what preparatory work we will be doing and when.  

  We’re also planning to do some routine maintenance work on the A417 between Cowley and Air Balloon roundabout in early March, which will involve some overnight closures and diversions. To find out more visit https://nationalhighways.co.uk/travel-updates/road-closure-report/ or get in touch with us at info@nationalhighways.co.uk or 0300 123 5000.  

  For all project related enquires, please contact us at A417MissingLink@nationalhighways.co.uk. 

• 12 January 2023

  2022 - a year in review

  Early in 2022, The Planning Inspectorate closed it's 6 month examination of the A417 Missing Link proposals. While awaiting a final report and a decision on whether planning permission would be granted, we stayed busy!

  In June the project team, along with representatives from Cotswold Archaeology visited Birdlip Primary School and met year 3 and 4 pupils. They got the chance to chat to them about their jobs and see what finds have been dug up along the route, which used to be the home to Romans. One item was an almost 2,000-year-old figurine depicting Cupid, the Roman God of love, which was discovered along with a bow-shaped brooch, and a Roman or early Saxon skeleton. The Cupid was a rare find, with less than 50 known in the UK, and is one of only three that have been found as part of an archaeological dig as opposed to by metal detectorists.

  After a competitive procurement process, Kier was announced as the firm appointed to design and construct the new road. Kier is a national business with a local and regional focus - throughout the duration of the project, it will support the local community by providing local jobs and contracts, and through initiatives to improve the local area leave a positive legacy.

  

  The proposal for the new wildlife-friendly crossing - Gloucestershire Way

  Surveys were undertaken throughout the year to gather more information about ground conditions and local plants and wildlife. They'll help finalise the detailed design of the road, crossings, landscaping and new local features such as the Air Balloon Way: a proposed new walking, cycling and horse riding route on the old A417.

  In November, the project received the long-awaited great news that the scheme had been granted an approved Development Consent Order - meaning the project can finally start being built! Construction of the A417 Missing Link will start this year and be completed by early 2027. You can find out more by reading the latest newsletter here and by watching the latest fly through video of the scheme below.

• 02 December 2022

  A417 public information events welcomed last month

  Despite the weather, over 680 people visited our public information events last month at Birdlip, National Star College, Brockworth and Cheltenham between 22-25 November 2022.

  Visitors welcomed the chance to find out more about the project and spent lots of time talking to the project team and asking questions.

  

  Caption: the A417 engagement van and project team outside M&S in Cheltenham

  It was clear from people’s comments that there remains widespread support for the scheme and local people are pleased that something is finally being done to improve safety and reduce congestion on the A417 Missing Link - a three-mile stretch of single carriageway between the Brockworth bypass and Cowley roundabout.

  There were calls for more information about construction so that everyone knows what to expect, and when.

  We reassured visitors that construction will be managed very carefully to minimise disruption and that any impacts will be short-term and temporary. Kier’s dedicated team will provide a lot more information about construction before it starts next year. They will also keep people updated throughout the build and be available to answer questions and address any issues that may arise.

  In the meantime, there’s lots of useful information, images, videos and maps in our Resource Pack, which can be found in the Documents section of this website.

  

  Caption: the A417 engagement van set up last month

• 16 November 2022

  A417 Missing Link gets the go-ahead

  We’re delighted that Transport Minister Huw Merriman MP has today approved this landscape-led highways scheme that will deliver a safe and resilient free-flowing road while conserving and enhancing the special character of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  

  

  Caption: An artist’s impression of the scheme shows plans for the Gloucestershire Way crossing

  We would like to thank everyone who has provided feedback and helped shape this vital scheme, which will improve the connection between two dual carriageway sections of the A417 at Brockworth and Cowley, and links between the M4 and M5, making it safer and reducing traffic congestion and the knock-on effect of rat running in local villages.

  The Minster’s long-awaited decision means we can now take action to improve this much needed stretch of road. Our Chief Executive, Nick Harris welcomes the news and explains what it means for local people: https://youtu.be/qs5cSLtrgVI

  To help you visualise the new road, see our latest fly-through animation: https://youtu.be/BzgMP-HABVQ

  We now enter a six-week judicial review period, but we will continue to work closely with our stakeholders and move this project forward during this time.

  We’ll start construction of the A417 Missing Link in 2023 and be completed by early 2027. To find out more, read our latest newsletter here

  You can view the official decision letter, granting the scheme approval, on the Planning Inspectorate's website here

  Come and see us 

  Between 22 – 25 November, the project team will be out and about in the local area in our mobile exhibition van. At these events you can meet our contractor Kier who is building the new road and talk to us in person about this project. Visit us at: 

  • Tuesday 22 November 2022, 11am – 4pm, The Royal George Hotel, Birdlip, GL4 8JH 
  • Wednesday 23 November 2022, 9am – 5pm, National Star College, Ullenwood Manor Road, Cheltenham, GL53 9QU 

  • Thursday 24 November 2022, 9am – 5pm, Brockworth Community Centre , Court Road, Brockworth, GL3 4ET 
  • Friday 25 November 2022, 8am - 2pm, Outside Cheltenham Marks & Spencer, 173 High Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1DF  

  There is plenty of parking at all locations and we encourage as many people to visit as possible.  

• 29 June 2022

  School pupils dig visit from National Highways staff

  Birdlip School learns about A417 archaeological finds

  Our project team and representatives from Cotswold Archaeology took time out to visit Birdlip Primary School, where year 3 and 4 pupils got the chance to chat to the team about their jobs, plans to improve journeys between Brockworth bypass and Cowley roundabout and see what finds have been dug up along the route, which used to be the home to Romans.

  One item discussed was an almost 2,000-year-old figurine depicting Cupid, the Roman God of love, which was discovered along with a bow-shaped brooch, and a Roman or early Saxon skeleton.

  The items were found along the proposed 3.4 mile stretch of the new A417 Missing Link route and go some way to showing what life in the area was like thousands of years ago.

  The Cupid figurine is a rare find, with less than 50 known in the UK, and is one of only three that have been found as part of an archaeological dig as opposed to by metal detectorists.

  Made of solid bronze with wings and holding a flaming torch, the figurine was discovered in a deposit of charcoal, suggesting it could be an offering to the Gods.

  

  Andrew Milner, Executive Head Teacher from Birdlip Primary School, said: “This was a wonderful opportunity to study the A417 Missing Link in depth. The children engaged with the archaeology to find out exactly what came before the road and then where the new road will go and how it will look. The team took the time to answer all the questions fully, in a way that was relevant to the children and the staff who turned up.”

• 18 May 2022

  Examination closes

  The Planning Inspectorate closes its examination of our proposals

  The Planning Inspectorate’s examination of our Development Consent Order application finished on Monday 16 May 2022.

  Over the last six months, people have had their final say on our preliminary design for the scheme. The Planning Inspectorate will now draft a report and make a recommendation of decision to the Secretary of State for Transport. We expect a final decision to be made later this year.

  In the meantime, Kier has been appointed to design and construct the new road. We are delighted to be working with them to move forward this vital scheme, which will considerably improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion and improve connectivity for road users and local communities, while unlocking economic growth in Gloucestershire and beyond.

  Kier will now   work closely with stakeholders over the coming months to refine the design of the new road and prepare for construction, which subject to consent, will start in early 2023.

  Visit the Planning Inspectorate’s website for the latest on our application. 

• 06 April 2022

  Examination Progressing

  The Planning Inspectorate is continuing to examine our Development Consent Order application.

  
  We have amended our plans at FlyUp 417 bike park, which is near Crickley Hill. As a result, the Planning Inspectorate has published a revised examination timetable and will hold more hearings on 29 April to discuss this change. They will be live-streamed on its website and written transcripts will be published afterwards. More details can be found on the Planning Inspectorate’s website.

  
  In addition to this, we have also responded to a number of written questions that were published by the Planning Inspectorate on 17 March. Our responses have been uploaded to its website, along with more detailed drawings of our proposed crossings and overbridges.

   

• 24 January 2022

  Examination hearings start

  The Planning Inspectorate is currently reviewing our Development Consent Order (DCO) application and hold a series of virtual examination hearings.

  These online events are an opportunity for people who have requested to take part in the process, to speak directly to examining inspectors and raise any issues they may have.

  The Planning Inspectorate will live-stream the hearings on its website and written transcripts will be published afterwards. To find out more about the hearings, and to see what topics they will cover, visit the Planning Inspectorate’s website.

  You can see a project map and images of the new crossings we are proposing in our resource pack.

• 17 November 2021

  Examination of Development Consent Order starts

  The Planning Inspectorate has announced the start of a six-month examination of our Development Consent Order (DCO) application and has published a detailed timetable.
  During the examination, the Planning Inspectorate will scrutinise our DCO application and seek information and comments from those who are interested in the scheme.

  The Planning Inspectorate has asked a series of questions about the application with the detail available on its website. The inspectorate has asked us, and others, to respond by 14 December 2021. Those who registered to take part in the examination in the summer have also been asked to send written comments about the application to the Planning Inspectorate by 14 December 2021. To view the examination timetable and to find out more, read the Planning Inspectorate’s Rule 8 letter, which can be found on its website.

• 29 June 2021

  Development Consent Order application accepted for examination

  

  We are pleased to confirm that our proposals for the A417 Missing Link have been accepted by the Planning Inspectorate for formal examination.

  This signifies a huge step towards delivering a landscape-led highways scheme that will provide a safe and resilient free-flowing road while conserving and enhancing where possible the special character of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

  Thank you to everyone who has supported us getting to this point, providing your feedback to help us shape the scheme.

  Next steps

  The Planning Inspectorate will now examine the Development Consent Order (DCO) application through written representation and public hearings. They will then review all the evidence and make a recommendation to the Secretary of State for Transport, who has the final decision on whether the scheme should go ahead.   

  The examination and decision-making process will take over a year. You can find our more information about this process and how to get involved on the Planning Inspectorate’s website.

  Our application

  You can now view our full application on the Planning Inspectorate’s website and you’ll also find a few bits of useful information below.

  • Scheme map – this gives an overview of the scheme design
  • Our response to consultation 2020 and next steps 
  • A guide to our DCO application - links to the different sections of the application to help you find what you need
  • Our Environmental Statement
  • Our biodiversity blog - more information about what we're doing for the special landscape, wildlife and plants in the area
  • Our economic blog - more information about how the project will unlock economic growth in Gloucestershire and beyond
  • Our traffic modelling blog - more information about how we calculate how many vehicles will use the road in future
  • Resource pack (under documents) – this includes images and infographics to help you share information about the scheme