A pioneering wildlife bridge, set to become the UK’s largest, is currently being constructed in Gloucestershire to support the £460 million A417 Missing Link project. This vital infrastructure aims to improve road connectivity while preserving the rich natural environment of the Cotswolds.
Known as the Gloucestershire Way bridge, it will span 37 metres over the new A417 dual carriageway between Gloucester and Cirencester. The bridge features a 27-metre strip of grassland and hedgerows designed to create a safe wildlife corridor.
Scheduled for completion by 2027, the bridge will accommodate not only a variety of animals but also walkers, cyclists, and horse riders. Hedgerows on either side will provide pathways for bats and barn owls, while the grassland and trees offer safe passage for larger wildlife such as deer, badgers, and reptiles.
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Gavin Jones, Kier’s project director, highlighted the dual purpose of the bridge, stating, “The green bridge is the centrepiece of the scheme, linking habitats on either side of the road. It focuses on ecology, but also serves as a footpath for people. We’re ahead of schedule, on budget, and proud of our safety record.”
Nicola Bell, executive director of major projects at National Highways, emphasized the importance of environmental collaboration: “By working closely with Natural England, we ensure infrastructure projects benefit both people and nature.”
Marian Spain, chief executive of Natural England, added, “The A417 project exemplifies how cooperative efforts can deliver sustainable development that protects wildlife while supporting community needs.”
While the UK’s Gloucestershire Way will be the largest wildlife crossing in the country, the world’s biggest such structure is located in Colorado, USA.