New aerial footage captured over the weekend highlights the impressive progress on the A417 Missing Link, a vital new stretch of highway expected to open in Gloucester next year.
Construction on the A417 Missing Link has been underway for nearly three years, focusing on a four-mile dual carriageway that will connect the Brockworth bypass to Cowley Roundabout in Gloucestershire. Currently a single-lane road, this route is undergoing a major upgrade.
In November 2022, the government approved a £460 million project to replace the outdated single carriageway with a modern dual carriageway designed to improve traffic flow and safety. Work officially began in spring 2023.
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The new design includes three lanes uphill and two lanes downhill, separated by a central reservation. To enhance safety, the steepness of the hill is being reduced from 10% to 8%, ensuring a smoother and less challenging drive for motorists.
Over the last year, the project has achieved significant milestones including the construction of seven new structures and the laying of fresh tarmac surfaces. The recent aerial footage, filmed from a small private aircraft, showcases traffic moving alongside ongoing construction activities. The aircraft flies low over a site where a new roundabout is also taking shape.
Pilot The Phobic Flyer, who posted the video on Facebook, commented: “I popped up to Birdlip to see how the A417 Missing Link is coming along. Fair winds and plenty of rain made it an interesting little trip, but a brilliant vantage point all the same.”
As work continues, drivers should anticipate more overnight and weekend closures on parts of the A417 during February and March, which could impact travel plans.
The next closure is scheduled for the night of Friday, February 13, from 9 pm to 6 am, to carry out urgent pothole repairs. The northbound lanes will be closed from the A429 Burford Road to the Air Balloon roundabout, with southbound closures from the Air Balloon roundabout to the Highwayman Inn.
From Monday, February 16, nightly closures in both directions between the A46 Brockworth junction and the Air Balloon roundabout will take place Monday through Friday, 9 pm to 6 am, continuing until March 13. Daytime traffic will remain unaffected.
National Highways has stated: “Earthworks, drainage, and surfacing works will be carried out overnight with no pedestrian access during closures. The works may be noisy and will be closely monitored.”
Additional weekend closures of the A436 will occur in March in both directions between the Air Balloon roundabout and Seven Springs roundabout. These will run from 9 pm Friday, March 6 to 6 am Monday, March 9, and again from 9 pm Friday, March 20 to 6 am Monday, March 23.
Diversion routes for all closures are available on the National Highways website. Emergency services will have full access during all closures.