The A417 Missing Link scheme is set to reach a key milestone next week with the introduction of a new permanent road layout between Gloucester and Cirencester. This development comes two months after the opening of the first permanent stretch of the £450 million project along a two-mile section of the A436.
From Friday, 18 September, a major traffic switch will allow vehicles to travel on the permanent alignment of the A417 under traffic management. Northbound journeys from Cirencester will be able to continue directly towards Gloucester without needing to leave the road at the Shab Hill junction. Conversely, southbound traffic from Gloucester will proceed straight ahead towards Cirencester on the new section, following the removal of the Air Balloon roundabout.
Later this year, additional infrastructure including the new B4070 leading to Birdlip and the northbound slip road at Cowley junction will open. Until then, access to Birdlip will remain via the existing route through Cowley junction.
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This update will notably affect traffic routes from Cheltenham via Leckhampton Hill and from Oxford via Seven Springs and the A436. There will no longer be a direct route from Cheltenham or Oxford to Gloucester; instead, traffic will use the new A436 to reach Shab Hill junction. From there, drivers can either continue towards Cirencester or use the underpass to access the southbound slip road to Gloucester.
Single-lane traffic management will continue until further works increase capacity. During closures, fully signposted diversion routes will be available, and official routes should be followed rather than relying on satellite navigation.
To facilitate the switch safely, the A417 will be closed in both directions between the A46 Brockworth Junction and the Air Balloon roundabout during scheduled periods. Emergency service access will be maintained at all times.
The comprehensive upgrade aims to deliver a safer and more resilient dual carriageway, improving connections between the dual carriageway sections at Brockworth and Cowley. This vital link forms an important corridor between the M4 and M5 motorways.
Celine Acard, Senior Project Manager at National Highways, said: “The progress achieved is truly significant, reflecting the hard work and collaboration of all involved. Once complete, this upgrade will enhance reliability, safety, and bring lasting benefits to local communities, businesses and visitors.
“Switching traffic onto this new section now allows users to travel from Gloucester to Cheltenham along the improved A417, reducing disruption and protecting the workforce. We understand initial delays may occur, but we expect journey times to improve following the switch.”
Gavin Jones, Kier Project Director, commented: “This milestone is very important as it marks the first time traffic can travel uninterrupted along the A417 from the M5 to the M4 without negotiating a roundabout. The ‘missing’ link in the route is now effectively a thing of the past.
“There is still work to be done, including building remaining lanes, and converting the old A417 into a footpath, bridleway and cycle route. We thank the public and stakeholders for their ongoing support and patience.”
Official updates, diversion directions and walking routes will be communicated and made available on the A417 Missing Link project website.