A417 Missing Link

Latest updates

• 31 October 2023

  The Secretary of State for Transport visits the A417 

  We recently welcomed the Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper MP onto site for a guided tour and to see the progress we’ve made so far.  

  He heard first-hand how the project will benefit local people and businesses and talked to archaeologists and ecologists, who have been on site for the past eight months, investigating and documenting the history of the area and putting in measures to protect local wildlife and habitats.   

  

  Photo: National Highways Chief Executive Nick Harris, Cllr Mark Hawthorne, Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, Richard Graham MP, Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper MP, Siobhan Baillie MP, Alex Chalk MP, Laurence Robertson MP, Kier CEO Andrew Davies

  The Secretary of State’s visit comes as the project enters the next phase of construction. Having progressed preliminary construction works, including archaeology and biodiversity enhancements, the scheme will now look to the next stage of enabling works, which includes the widening of the A417 at Crickley Hill. 

  Read this and other stories about the A417 Missing Link scheme in our October newsletter: https://sway.office.com/7RX3FRveqFpZox0a?ref=Link 

  Upcoming closures and roadworks this autumn  

  If you’ll be using the A417 this autumn, please plan ahead as upcoming road closures and roadworks may affect your journey. 

  We’re currently widening the A417 at Crickley Hill. To conduct these works the A417 is being closed overnight (between 8pm and 6am) in both directions between:

  Monday 30 October – Thursday 2 November

  Monday 6 – Friday 10 November

  Monday 13 – Friday 17 November

  Monday 20 – Friday 24 November

  Monday 27 – Wednesday 29 November

  Friday 1 December

  Please note we have added an extra overnight closure on Friday 10 November.

  You can also read our information leaflet: A417 Crickley Hill widening information leaflet. 

  Due to the recent adverse weather and localised flooding in the area, the site access work and associated weekend road closure of the A436 between 10 – 13 November has been postponed until the new year. We will be in touch as soon as a new date is confirmed, and we will give plenty of notice so people can plan their journeys ahead. 

  In the meantime, we need to undertake some survey work at this location and will have some traffic lights in operation between 9pm and 6am, Monday 6 November to Thursday 9 November. This work will be done overnight to minimise disruption. Please follow the signage as there will be one way traffic during these works.

• 29 September 2023

  Upcoming closures this autumn

  If you’ll be using the A417 or A436 this autumn, please plan ahead as these upcoming road closures may affect your journey.

  We're about to start some vital enabling work, which must be done before we can start to build the new road. These works will require some road closures in October and November. 

  Overnight closures on the A417 

  For around seven weeks from October 16, we’ll be widening a small section of the A417 at Crickley Hill. This is so we can keep traffic moving during phase two of the project in 2025. The A417 will be closed at this location overnight (8pm–6am) in both directions on the following dates:  

  • Monday 16 – Friday 20 October 
  • Monday 23 – Friday 27 October 
  • Monday 30 October – Thursday 2 November 
  • Monday 6 – Thursday 9 November 
  • Monday 13 – Friday 17 November 
  • Monday 20 – Friday 24 November 
  • Monday 27 – Wednesday 29 November 
  • Friday 1 December 

  For diversion route map, see below.  

  Full weekend closure in November  

  In November we’ll need to close a small section of the A436 and the top of Leckhampton Hill to build a new site entrance. This is near the existing Air Balloon roundabout. The closure will be in place between 9pm Friday 10 November and 5am Monday 13 November.  

  For diversion route map, see below. Please note that Crickley Hill Country Park and National Star College will be open for business as usual.

  Diversion routes 

  The closures have been carefully timed to minimise disruption to motorists. Clearly sign-posted diversions will be in place and access will be maintained at all times for residents and emergency services. 

  Crickley Hill widening works diversion route:

  

  A436 site access works diversion route:

  

  Links to more information:  

  A417 Missing Link newsletter – September update 

  A417 Crickley Hill widening information leaflet

  A436 site entrance information leaflet

   

  Public information events

  If you'd like more information, come and speak to a member of our team at one of these public information events:  

  Wednesday 4 October, 2pm-7.30pm – The Girl Guides Hall, Deer Park, Cowley, GL53 9NJ 

  Monday 9 October, 2pm-7.30pm – our engagement van will be parked at National Star College, Ullenwood Manor Road, Ullenwood, Cheltenham, GL53 9QU 

  Wednesday 11 October, 2pm-7.30pm – our engagement van will be parked at The Royal George Hotel, Birdlip, GL4 8JH 

  Monday 16 October, 9am-4.30pm – our engagement van will be parked outside of M&S Cheltenham, 173 High St, Cheltenham, GL50 1DF

• 20 September 2023

  To the bat cave! National Highways helps support UK bat species along the A417 Missing Link

  Converting a World War II bunker for wildlife is just one of the innovative measures National Highways is taking to help support UK species of bats that have made their home in Gloucestershire.   

  The converted structure will be home to the Lesser Horseshoe, Brown Long Eared and other species of bats.  

  National Highways is also installing bat boxes in suitable habitat across the scheme, which although not obvious to passing motorists, provide vital homes for the bats.  

  In addition, ecologists will utilise a widely used and accepted tree aging technique for young trees and create roosts that mimics crevices only found on older more mature trees.  

  Three other bat structures will also be created as part of the scheme, and we will plant trees, hedges, woodland and grasslands to improve their foraging habitats. 

  To ensure local bat populations are properly supported during the build, we’ve got a team of Ecologists on site at all times to ensure these mitigation measures are implemented correctly. 

  Work on the scheme goes beyond bats though, with ecologists continuing to relocate reptiles away from construction areas including baby common lizards, slow worms, Roman snails and adders.

  

  Caption: The converted World War II bunker, which will eventually be covered by vegetation and hidden from sight, is one innovative way National Highways is helping to support bats and wildlife

• 28 July 2023

  Festival of Archaeology 2023

  The Festival of Archaeology, run by the Council for British Archaeology in July, aims to get everyone thinking about and involved in archaeology. We want to do our bit, so we’re shining the spotlight on this interesting and rewarding job! 

  Have you ever considered being an archaeologist? Our colleague From Cotswold Oxford Archaeology William tells us more about what’s involved in our latest newsletter which has been published today

  “On the A417 project, a typical day for me starts with a safety briefing. We then get to work, excavating and cleaning (hopefully!) archaeological features. Anything I find is recorded. I take photographs, draw a picture, write detailed notes, and interpret what the finds could be. This information will be included in a report that will be published for all to see. 

  “I also collect soil samples, so that we can see what vegetation was growing there at the time, what crops were being farmed in the area and even what people were eating! 

  “The A417 missing link project has been very interesting so far. One of the best things about this job is not knowing what you might learn and discover one day to the next. It isn’t all about finding treasure - although some would be nice!”

  

  Photo: William Sibley

• 30 June 2023

  New defibrillators to save lives along Missing Link

  We’ve installed a brand-new defibrillator at The Green Dragon Inn in Cowley, as part of an initiative to improve access to this life-saving equipment in local communities.  

  This is the first of four defibrillators that we’re installing in Gloucestershire in partnership with Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) and the Sam Polledri Foundation.  

  GWAAC medics were on hand at the unveiling, to teach the A417 project team and members of the public CPR and show us how to operate the new machine.  

  The defibrillators are being funded through National Highways’ social value fund, which is part of a wider commitment to give back to communities along our network. To find out more, visit: https://nationalhighways.co.uk/about-us/social-value-and-national-highways/   

  For more information about this and what the project team have been up to this month, read our latest newsletter

  

  Photo: L-R: Sam’s mum Louise, Emma Fawcett from GWAAC, Gavin Jones from Kier, and Mike Goddard and Will Barker from National Highways  

• 02 June 2023

  Upgrading the A417 – A417 anecdotes

  As construction draws closer, we’ve been reflecting on why the A417 Missing Link project is so important and have been talking to people about what the scheme means to them.

  We're released a series of videos, the first of which focuses on the benefits of the project: to make everyone's journeys safer, smoother and more reliable, improve local people’s quality of life by reducing rat running and support economic growth in the region. 

  In this video we hear from Sir Geoffrey Clifton Brown MP and the Leader of Gloucestershire County Council, Cllr Mark Hawthorne about the what the scheme will mean for local people: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AjwS-ykNTI

  

  Scroll down to view the ‘A417 Anecdotes’ section on this page to see more.

  For the latest project news, view our newly published newsletter

• 16 May 2023

  Preparatory work well underway

  For those living locally or using the A417, you will have noticed lots of activity going on near the Air Balloon roundabout and Fly-up 417 Bike Park. You will have also noticed that we’ve set-up several small site offices, which include welfare facilities for the ecologists and archaeologists working on site.  

  All of this activity is part of the preparatory work we are doing ahead of construction in the autumn. 

  Our team of archaeologists are currently working at six locations in the area, and since the end of February, have removed approximately 8000 cubic metres of soil in their search for historical features and artefacts that can tell us more about the area and the people that once lived there. 

  We’ve also got ecologists on site who have been prepping archaeological research areas before work starts, for example putting up retile fencing to keep them away from work areas, checking for ground nesting birds and installing kite hawks to discourage skylarks from landing on site. These measures are ensuring local wildlife is protected.   

  To find out more about the preparatory work we are doing read our latest newsletter which was published on 22 April. 

  

  Birdlip and the surrounding area is rich in history: the existing A417 largely follows the former Roman road between Cirencester and Gloucester and Birdlip itself is a historical Roman settlement. Picture shows topsoil being stripped from archaeological research areas. 

• 22 April 2023

  Environmental protection a top priority

  We’re really proud of all the work we’re doing to protect the local environment and archaeology ahead of construction in the autumn.  

  Today is Earth Day 2023 and as one of our top priorities, you can learn about our environmental commitments and see what ecological mitigation we’re doing ahead of construction in the autumn. We've produced some handouts to help explain the steps we're taking:

  • How we're tackling climate change
  • Environmental mitigations

  

  Photo: Red tailed bumble bee

  Preparatory work is progressing well and to programme. Over the last month we’ve been investigating archaeology in three identified research areas and ecologists have been on site surveying birds and enhancing nearby reptile habitats.

  We’ve published April’s A417 Missing Link newsletter which gives you the latest project news and more information about what we’ve been doing out on site over the last month.

  

  Photo credit: Oxford Cotswold Archaeology

• 20 March 2023

  Preparatory work starts ahead of construction in the autumn

  There’s lots of work that needs to be done before construction begins in the autumn.

  If you’re in the area, you will start to see some local public rights of ways being diverted and people out on site undertaking archaeological digs and installing environmental mitigation such as animal fencing and bat boxes to protect local wildlife.  Later in the year, you will also start seeing people setting up construction site offices and protecting nearby utilities so they are not impacted by the build.   

  To find out more about preparatory work and see a timeline of activity, read our latest newsletter. You can also view our archaeology and environmental mitigation information graphics which summarise this work here:

  • A417 Missing Link archaeology infographic
  • A417 Missing Link environmental mitigation infographic

• 27 February 2023

  Project update

  

  The Secretary of State for Transport gave the A417 Missing Link project the go-ahead on 16 November 2022. No challenges were made to this decision and since then, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to make sure we are ready to start construction in autumn 2023. 

  We have been working closely with local authorities and other stakeholders to ensure that all the necessary Development Consent Order (DCO) Requirements are met before we start preparatory work and construction. DCO Requirements are things that we and our contractor Kier must do by law before, during and following construction. You can view all the DCO documents, including a full list of Requirements further down this webpage under the ‘Documents’ heading.

  We’re now gearing up to start preparatory work. Over the next couple of weeks, you will start to see people in high-visibility jackets out on site. Watch this space for lots more information about what preparatory work we will be doing and when.  

  We’re also planning to do some routine maintenance work on the A417 between Cowley and Air Balloon roundabout in early March, which will involve some overnight closures and diversions. To find out more visit https://nationalhighways.co.uk/travel-updates/road-closure-report/ or get in touch with us at info@nationalhighways.co.uk or 0300 123 5000.  

  For all project related enquires, please contact us at A417MissingLink@nationalhighways.co.uk. 

• 12 January 2023

  2022 - a year in review

  Early in 2022, The Planning Inspectorate closed it's 6 month examination of the A417 Missing Link proposals. While awaiting a final report and a decision on whether planning permission would be granted, we stayed busy!

  In June the project team, along with representatives from Cotswold Archaeology visited Birdlip Primary School and met year 3 and 4 pupils. They got the chance to chat to them about their jobs and see what finds have been dug up along the route, which used to be the home to Romans. One item was an almost 2,000-year-old figurine depicting Cupid, the Roman God of love, which was discovered along with a bow-shaped brooch, and a Roman or early Saxon skeleton. The Cupid was a rare find, with less than 50 known in the UK, and is one of only three that have been found as part of an archaeological dig as opposed to by metal detectorists.

  After a competitive procurement process, Kier was announced as the firm appointed to design and construct the new road. Kier is a national business with a local and regional focus - throughout the duration of the project, it will support the local community by providing local jobs and contracts, and through initiatives to improve the local area leave a positive legacy.

  

  The proposal for the new wildlife-friendly crossing - Gloucestershire Way

  Surveys were undertaken throughout the year to gather more information about ground conditions and local plants and wildlife. They'll help finalise the detailed design of the road, crossings, landscaping and new local features such as the Air Balloon Way: a proposed new walking, cycling and horse riding route on the old A417.

  In November, the project received the long-awaited great news that the scheme had been granted an approved Development Consent Order - meaning the project can finally start being built! Construction of the A417 Missing Link will start this year and be completed by early 2027. You can find out more by reading the latest newsletter here and by watching the latest fly through video of the scheme below.

• 02 December 2022

  A417 public information events welcomed last month

  Despite the weather, over 680 people visited our public information events last month at Birdlip, National Star College, Brockworth and Cheltenham between 22-25 November 2022.

  Visitors welcomed the chance to find out more about the project and spent lots of time talking to the project team and asking questions.

  

  Caption: the A417 engagement van and project team outside M&S in Cheltenham

  It was clear from people’s comments that there remains widespread support for the scheme and local people are pleased that something is finally being done to improve safety and reduce congestion on the A417 Missing Link - a three-mile stretch of single carriageway between the Brockworth bypass and Cowley roundabout.

  There were calls for more information about construction so that everyone knows what to expect, and when.

  We reassured visitors that construction will be managed very carefully to minimise disruption and that any impacts will be short-term and temporary. Kier’s dedicated team will provide a lot more information about construction before it starts next year. They will also keep people updated throughout the build and be available to answer questions and address any issues that may arise.

  In the meantime, there’s lots of useful information, images, videos and maps in our Resource Pack, which can be found in the Documents section of this website.

  

  Caption: the A417 engagement van set up last month

• 16 November 2022

  A417 Missing Link gets the go-ahead

  We’re delighted that Transport Minister Huw Merriman MP has today approved this landscape-led highways scheme that will deliver a safe and resilient free-flowing road while conserving and enhancing the special character of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  

  

  Caption: An artist’s impression of the scheme shows plans for the Gloucestershire Way crossing

  We would like to thank everyone who has provided feedback and helped shape this vital scheme, which will improve the connection between two dual carriageway sections of the A417 at Brockworth and Cowley, and links between the M4 and M5, making it safer and reducing traffic congestion and the knock-on effect of rat running in local villages.

  The Minster’s long-awaited decision means we can now take action to improve this much needed stretch of road. Our Chief Executive, Nick Harris welcomes the news and explains what it means for local people: https://youtu.be/qs5cSLtrgVI

  To help you visualise the new road, see our latest fly-through animation: https://youtu.be/BzgMP-HABVQ

  We now enter a six-week judicial review period, but we will continue to work closely with our stakeholders and move this project forward during this time.

  We’ll start construction of the A417 Missing Link in 2023 and be completed by early 2027. To find out more, read our latest newsletter here

  You can view the official decision letter, granting the scheme approval, on the Planning Inspectorate's website here

  Come and see us 

  Between 22 – 25 November, the project team will be out and about in the local area in our mobile exhibition van. At these events you can meet our contractor Kier who is building the new road and talk to us in person about this project. Visit us at: 

  • Tuesday 22 November 2022, 11am – 4pm, The Royal George Hotel, Birdlip, GL4 8JH 
  • Wednesday 23 November 2022, 9am – 5pm, National Star College, Ullenwood Manor Road, Cheltenham, GL53 9QU 

  • Thursday 24 November 2022, 9am – 5pm, Brockworth Community Centre , Court Road, Brockworth, GL3 4ET 
  • Friday 25 November 2022, 8am - 2pm, Outside Cheltenham Marks & Spencer, 173 High Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1DF  

  There is plenty of parking at all locations and we encourage as many people to visit as possible.  

• 29 June 2022

  School pupils dig visit from National Highways staff

  Birdlip School learns about A417 archaeological finds

  Our project team and representatives from Cotswold Archaeology took time out to visit Birdlip Primary School, where year 3 and 4 pupils got the chance to chat to the team about their jobs, plans to improve journeys between Brockworth bypass and Cowley roundabout and see what finds have been dug up along the route, which used to be the home to Romans.

  One item discussed was an almost 2,000-year-old figurine depicting Cupid, the Roman God of love, which was discovered along with a bow-shaped brooch, and a Roman or early Saxon skeleton.

  The items were found along the proposed 3.4 mile stretch of the new A417 Missing Link route and go some way to showing what life in the area was like thousands of years ago.

  The Cupid figurine is a rare find, with less than 50 known in the UK, and is one of only three that have been found as part of an archaeological dig as opposed to by metal detectorists.

  Made of solid bronze with wings and holding a flaming torch, the figurine was discovered in a deposit of charcoal, suggesting it could be an offering to the Gods.

  

  Andrew Milner, Executive Head Teacher from Birdlip Primary School, said: “This was a wonderful opportunity to study the A417 Missing Link in depth. The children engaged with the archaeology to find out exactly what came before the road and then where the new road will go and how it will look. The team took the time to answer all the questions fully, in a way that was relevant to the children and the staff who turned up.”

• 18 May 2022

  Examination closes

  The Planning Inspectorate closes its examination of our proposals

  The Planning Inspectorate’s examination of our Development Consent Order application finished on Monday 16 May 2022.

  Over the last six months, people have had their final say on our preliminary design for the scheme. The Planning Inspectorate will now draft a report and make a recommendation of decision to the Secretary of State for Transport. We expect a final decision to be made later this year.

  In the meantime, Kier has been appointed to design and construct the new road. We are delighted to be working with them to move forward this vital scheme, which will considerably improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion and improve connectivity for road users and local communities, while unlocking economic growth in Gloucestershire and beyond.

  Kier will now   work closely with stakeholders over the coming months to refine the design of the new road and prepare for construction, which subject to consent, will start in early 2023.

  Visit the Planning Inspectorate’s website for the latest on our application. 

• 06 April 2022

  Examination Progressing

  The Planning Inspectorate is continuing to examine our Development Consent Order application.

  
  We have amended our plans at FlyUp 417 bike park, which is near Crickley Hill. As a result, the Planning Inspectorate has published a revised examination timetable and will hold more hearings on 29 April to discuss this change. They will be live-streamed on its website and written transcripts will be published afterwards. More details can be found on the Planning Inspectorate’s website.

  
  In addition to this, we have also responded to a number of written questions that were published by the Planning Inspectorate on 17 March. Our responses have been uploaded to its website, along with more detailed drawings of our proposed crossings and overbridges.

   

• 24 January 2022

  Examination hearings start

  The Planning Inspectorate is currently reviewing our Development Consent Order (DCO) application and hold a series of virtual examination hearings.

  These online events are an opportunity for people who have requested to take part in the process, to speak directly to examining inspectors and raise any issues they may have.

  The Planning Inspectorate will live-stream the hearings on its website and written transcripts will be published afterwards. To find out more about the hearings, and to see what topics they will cover, visit the Planning Inspectorate’s website.

  You can see a project map and images of the new crossings we are proposing in our resource pack.

• 17 November 2021

  Examination of Development Consent Order starts

  The Planning Inspectorate has announced the start of a six-month examination of our Development Consent Order (DCO) application and has published a detailed timetable.
  During the examination, the Planning Inspectorate will scrutinise our DCO application and seek information and comments from those who are interested in the scheme.

  The Planning Inspectorate has asked a series of questions about the application with the detail available on its website. The inspectorate has asked us, and others, to respond by 14 December 2021. Those who registered to take part in the examination in the summer have also been asked to send written comments about the application to the Planning Inspectorate by 14 December 2021. To view the examination timetable and to find out more, read the Planning Inspectorate’s Rule 8 letter, which can be found on its website.

• 29 June 2021

  Development Consent Order application accepted for examination

  

  We are pleased to confirm that our proposals for the A417 Missing Link have been accepted by the Planning Inspectorate for formal examination.

  This signifies a huge step towards delivering a landscape-led highways scheme that will provide a safe and resilient free-flowing road while conserving and enhancing where possible the special character of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

  Thank you to everyone who has supported us getting to this point, providing your feedback to help us shape the scheme.

  Next steps

  The Planning Inspectorate will now examine the Development Consent Order (DCO) application through written representation and public hearings. They will then review all the evidence and make a recommendation to the Secretary of State for Transport, who has the final decision on whether the scheme should go ahead.   

  The examination and decision-making process will take over a year. You can find our more information about this process and how to get involved on the Planning Inspectorate’s website.

  Our application

  You can now view our full application on the Planning Inspectorate’s website and you’ll also find a few bits of useful information below.

  • Scheme map – this gives an overview of the scheme design
  • Our response to consultation 2020 and next steps 
  • A guide to our DCO application - links to the different sections of the application to help you find what you need
  • Our Environmental Statement
  • Our biodiversity blog - more information about what we're doing for the special landscape, wildlife and plants in the area
  • Our economic blog - more information about how the project will unlock economic growth in Gloucestershire and beyond
  • Our traffic modelling blog - more information about how we calculate how many vehicles will use the road in future
  • Resource pack (under documents) – this includes images and infographics to help you share information about the scheme