A417 Missing Link - a landscape led scheme

We want to preserve the special character of the Cotswolds National Landscape, as well as building a safe, free flowing road. Rather than changing the landscape to fit our design, we've designed our scheme to match the character of its surroundings.

A417 Missing Link - a landscape led scheme

The Cotswolds is one of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes - a tourist hotspot, visited by many walkers every year.

Its well-established footpaths are famed for their stunning scenery and tranquil settings.

Our A417 improvement will take into account the sensitive environment of the surrounding area by:

  • protecting and enhancing the landscape
  • improving access and recreational opportunities
  • improving wildlife links and biodiversity

Local support

Before we began construction, we spoke to residents, local businesses and political leaders to learn about the problems they face and how our scheme could benefit the south west.

In these videos, some of these people talk about what our scheme means to them.

Benefits for local people

Sir Geoffrey Clifton Brown MP and the Leader of Gloucestershire County Council, Cllr Mark Hawthorne talk about the what the scheme will mean for local people.

Economy

David Owen, GFirst Local Enterprise Partnership and Sam Holiday of the Federation of Small Businesses talk about how the project will help local businesses to thrive.

Community and tourism

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, Leader of Gloucestershire County Council, Kath Haworth, Assistant Director of Highways and Infrastructure at Gloucestershire County Council and Steve Gardner-Collins, Director of Visit Gloucestershire explain benefits for the local community and tourism.

Transport and safety

Julian Lavington, Chair of Birdlip Parish Council and Chris Nelson, Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner explains what the scheme will mean for transport and safety: 

The environment

Kier’s Environmental Manager Claire Elliott and Andy Parsons from Cotswold National Landscape discuss measures to protec the special landscape of the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Feedback