Drivers are advised to plan ahead for significant weekend closures on the A417 as part of the Missing Link scheme. These closures will take place over two weekends during the summer holidays to advance critical construction work.
National Highways announced that the A417 will be fully closed between the Air Balloon roundabout and the A429 Burford roundabout from 9 pm on Friday, July 25, until 6 am on Monday, July 28. The same stretch will close again from 9 pm on Friday, August 1, to 6 am on Monday, August 4.
This closure is necessary to install new utilities chambers beneath the new road, ensuring stable power supplies for local communities and maintaining site safety for workers. Principal contractor Kier will also carry out various other scheme-related works during these closures.
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Traffic heading southbound will be rerouted via the A435, A40, and A429, rejoining the A417 beyond the closure zone. Northbound traffic will follow the reverse diversion route. National Highways has coordinated with Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and Swindon authorities to design diversion routes that minimise disruption. Clear signage will guide drivers throughout the closures.
Celine Acard, Senior Project Manager for the A417 Missing Link scheme, commented: “We are progressing well but require these full closures to complete essential utilities work safely. We understand closures can be frustrating, but this work cannot be done while the road remains open.
“We’ve carefully planned diversions to reduce impact, anticipating drivers will need about 25 minutes of extra travel time. We thank everyone for their patience and encourage them to plan their journeys accordingly.”
Additionally, during the first weekend closure, northbound traffic on the A419 between the Turnpike Junction and Cricklade will also be fully closed for vital resurfacing. This closure runs concurrently from 8 pm on Friday, July 25, to 6 am on Monday, July 28, with traffic diverted via the B4553.