A significant development in the A417 Missing Link scheme is set to take place next week, as drivers will begin using the new permanent road layout between Gloucester and Cirencester. This change follows two months after the opening of the first permanent two-mile stretch along the A436, part of the £450 million project.
From Friday, 18 September, traffic will be directed onto the permanent layout of the A417 under traffic management, enabling northbound journeys from Cirencester to continue directly towards Gloucester without needing to exit at Shab Hill junction. Travellers from Gloucester will be able to proceed straight ahead up the hill towards Cirencester on the new A417, following the removal of the Air Balloon roundabout.
Later in the year, the new B4070 leading to Birdlip and the northbound slip road at Cowley junction will open, although until then access to Birdlip will remain via the existing Cowley junction route. This adjustment represents a major change for traffic heading to Gloucester from Cheltenham via Leckhampton Hill or from Oxford via Seven Springs and the A436.
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As a result, there will no longer be a direct route from Cheltenham and Oxford to Gloucester. Vehicles will be required to use the new A436 to reach Shab Hill junction, where they can either continue towards Cirencester or use the underpass to access the southbound slip road to Gloucester.
Traffic management with single lanes will remain in place until all additional works and capacity upgrades are completed. Fully signed diversion routes will be available during any closures.
The overall road upgrade aims to provide a safe, resilient dual carriageway, improving connectivity between the existing dual carriageway sections at Brockworth and Cowley, and enhancing the strategic link between the M4 and M5 motorways.
To facilitate the switch, the A417 will be closed in both directions between the A46 Brockworth Junction and the Air Balloon roundabout during scheduled periods. Access for emergency services will be maintained throughout these closures.
National Highways senior project manager Celine Acard commented, “The progress made has been truly significant, reflecting the dedication of everyone involved in delivering this vital scheme. This milestone allows users to follow the new A417 from Gloucester to Cheltenham, improving journeys and safety, while minimising disruption and protecting our workforce. We appreciate there may be some delays as drivers adapt to the new layout, but we anticipate journey times will improve following the switch.”
Gavin Jones, Kier’s Project Director, added, “This is a pivotal milestone, marking the first time traffic can travel the full length of the A417 from the M5 to the M4 without negotiating a roundabout. The ‘missing link’ can now effectively be consigned to history. Work will continue alongside the live carriageway to complete remaining lanes and transform the old A417 into a footpath, bridleway and cycle route. We thank the public and stakeholders for their support and patience.”
Further information, including official diversion instructions and walking routes, will be available on the A417 Missing Link website.