New aerial footage captured on June 29 offers a striking update on the A417 Missing Link project in Gloucestershire, showcasing the latest developments in this major roadworks scheme. National Highways is set to open a brand-new, two-mile stretch of the upgraded route, marking a significant phase in the project’s progress.
From 6am on Monday, July 6, drivers will gain access to this new road segment, effectively redirecting traffic from the existing A417 between Air Balloon and the B4070. This older stretch will be permanently closed to motor vehicles and repurposed for non-motorised users, reinforcing the project’s commitment to sustainable transportation options.
The aerial footage was shot by Andy Clarke, known as The Phobic Flyer, who has been documenting the ongoing construction from the skies throughout the project’s duration. Andy notes that public opinion on the Missing Link varies widely. Some critics view the project as costly and intrusive to the landscape, while many commuters welcome it as a much-needed solution to congestion.
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“Users of the route are enthusiastic because they understand the challenges of having a single carriageway on such a vital corridor connecting the M5 to the M4 via Swindon,” Andy commented. “They will definitely notice the improvements. It’s a win-win for anyone traveling along this route.”
Andy plans to capture additional footage on Monday evening after the new stretch opens to traffic, hoping to document its impact firsthand. “I’ll be flying around 5pm to see how the new road is being used. Fingers crossed for good weather,” he added.
The weekend saw closures of parts of the existing road network to facilitate the switch to the new layout, which reopened at 6am this morning. The new section, running from the Ullenwood junction near Leckhampton Hill and the A436, features narrower lanes and a 40mph speed limit as drivers traverse the green bridge and the newly constructed Shab Valley interchange.
This temporary route is expected to be in operation for at least five weeks, with further road closures planned for the A417 and A436 during July, details of which will be shared in due course.