A captivating new video captures the extraordinary advancements made on the A417 Missing Link project in Gloucestershire throughout 2025. The footage offers a striking aerial perspective of the ongoing construction near Birdlip, where a new four-mile dual carriageway is taking shape, complemented by several newly built bridges and junctions.
This visual update highlights the impressive landscape transformation achieved through the collaboration between National Highways and Kier Construction. Major earthworks at Crickley Hill have already reshaped the terrain, setting the stage for the upgraded road. The project features three lanes uphill and two lanes downhill, separated by a central reservation to enhance traffic flow and safety.
To improve driving conditions, the steepness of the hill is being reduced from a 10% incline to a more manageable 8%. The development of the Gloucestershire Way Crossing, an environmental bridge designed to facilitate safe wildlife movement, is prominently featured in the video.
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Additionally, the Cowley Overbridge is under construction to provide seamless vehicle and pedestrian access across the network. The upgraded A417 route from the Shab junction is expected to stimulate regional growth by ensuring reliable and efficient journeys.
A new B4070 link between Barrow Wake and Shab junction is also underway to alleviate traffic congestion, lower pollution levels, and improve accessibility for local residents and visitors alike. The existing single-carriageway stretch between the Air Balloon and Cowley roundabouts will be repurposed into a pathway for walkers and horse riders, enhancing recreational opportunities.
With the Air Balloon roundabout historically causing significant delays, the new bypass will deliver an uninterrupted dual carriageway from the M5 at Brockworth to the M4 at Swindon. This milestone is anticipated to be reached by spring 2027, marking a major step forward in the region’s infrastructure.