New images highlight A417 Missing Link project
National Highways have released new aerial photographs showcasing the A417 Missing Link upgrade in Gloucestershire, now entering its second year of construction.
The images reveal significant progress on the project, aimed at reducing congestion, enhancing safety, and bolstering economic growth in Gloucestershire and the South West.
Since construction began in 2023, the project team has made notable advancements, including:
- Foundations and Concrete Work: Completed 25-metre-deep foundations and poured 360 cubic metres of concrete at Shab Hill for the Gloucestershire Way crossing.
- Piling at Stockwell Lane: Initiated piling work to prepare for the structure construction.
- Traffic Management: Implemented a contraflow system at the old Cowley roundabout location, reduced the speed limit to 40 mph, installed CCTV, and adjusted lane widths for safety.
- Wildlife Monitoring: Continued monitoring of local wildlife, including bats, birds, reptiles, and badgers, with new young animals confirming the success of the translocation effort.
- Earth Movement: Moved 428,846 cubic metres of earth—nearly half of the total required for the project.
- Archaeological Excavations: Excavated 26 sites, with only one remaining.
- Public Engagement: Hosted several open days with plans for more throughout the summer.
Steve Foxley, A417 Project Director for National Highways, commented, “The A417 Missing Link is a crucial scheme for the South West. We’re pleased with the rapid progress and look forward to delivering this essential upgrade. It will result in smoother, safer, and more reliable journeys for drivers.”
Looking ahead, the project aims to achieve several milestones over the summer and autumn:
- Temporary Tractor Crossing: Installation of a new temporary crossing.
- Stockwell Overbridge: Begin construction on the Stockwell overbridge.
- Drystone Walling: Continue with 7 kilometres of new drystone walling.
- Archaeological Work: Complete remaining archaeological tasks with two archaeologists staying on site for the duration.
In addition, a biochar trial will start, converting 200 tonnes of site wood chip into biochar at the Witcombe compound. This initiative will significantly reduce the project’s carbon footprint and support National Highways' net zero goals.
At Barrow Wake, the project will commence construction of a new dry-stone wall and drainage improvements. Note that Barrow Wake viewpoint car park has been closed since Monday 22 July 2024 and will remain closed until March 2025. Local businesses will remain operational.
Leckhampton Hill will close for ten weeks from Monday 5 August to Sunday 22 September for road excavations, drainage work, and to create a new entrance to Crickley Hill. The work will be conducted in three stages to minimise disruption, with diversion routes available on the National Highways website. Access to Crickley Hill Country Park will remain open, and National Star College will operate as usual, with access via an approved diversion route.
For the latest updates and details on the A417 Missing Link project, visit [National Highways A417 Missing Link](https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/south-west/a417-missing-link/).
This section of the A417 handles approximately 40,000 vehicles daily, with congestion often causing delays and forcing drivers onto local roads. The upgrade aims to eliminate this bottleneck, support Gloucestershire’s growth, and improve regional infrastructure.
The A417 Missing Link scheme includes:
- 5.5 Kilometres of Dual Carriageway: Connecting the A417 Brockworth bypass with the A417 dual carriageway south of Cowley.
- New Junctions: At Shab Hill for connections to the A436 towards Oxford and Birdlip, and a replacement for the Cowley roundabout.
- Repurposing Existing Roads: Converting parts of the existing A417 between the Air Balloon and Cowley roundabouts for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders, while maintaining some sections for local access.
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