The anticipated opening of a crucial two-mile segment of the new A417 ‘Missing Link’ dual carriageway has been postponed in response to this week’s severe heatwave. Originally scheduled for June 29, the date has now been deferred to Monday, July 6, after temperatures hit 34°C consecutively in Cheltenham on June 24 and 25.
Construction workers halted operations to safeguard their health amid the exceptional heat, compounded by a Met Office red weather warning — only the second of its kind issued in the UK. The intense conditions also slowed asphalt curing on the nearby A436, further delaying progress.
A spokesperson from National Highways emphasized that the wellbeing of the workforce remains paramount, stating, “We’ve adjusted working practices due to unprecedented high temperatures. We will resume work safely and anticipate opening the new road by next weekend.”
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The Missing Link project, which began in 2023 with an estimated cost of £460 million, aims to improve a notorious three-mile stretch between Brockworth bypass and Cowley Roundabout, known for frequent accidents. Upon completion in 2027, the upgraded route will enhance safety, reduce traffic congestion, and lower pollution for thousands of daily commuters.
The upcoming temporary traffic diversion will introduce narrower lanes, a 40mph speed limit, and a reduction to one lane in both directions between the A46 Brockworth Junction and Air Balloon roundabout. This strategic move will help maintain traffic flow while protecting workers during ongoing construction.
Motorists are advised to anticipate significant delays in the area and plan their journeys accordingly during this period.
This heatwave marked a record-shattering three consecutive days of maximum temperatures in June, peaking at 37.3°C in Santon Downham, Suffolk. Its impact extended beyond infrastructure delays, causing school closures and disruptions to health services nationwide.
Experts link the extreme weather to human-induced climate change. Met Office chief scientist Professor Stephen Belcher CBE commented, “The severity and duration of this heatwave demonstrate the increasing frequency and intensity of such events due to climate change. These temperatures bring critical health risks and broad-ranging impacts across sectors including transport, energy, and water supply.”