A417 Missing Link

A 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. Our scheme will improve the connection between two dual carriageway sections of the A417 at Brockworth and Cowley.

Start date Early 2023
End date 2027
Cost £250 to £500 million

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:

    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:

  • 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.

    A417 staff at Birdlip

    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.

Project information

Next steps

In November 2022, Transport Minister Huw Merriman MP approved the major road upgrade to the A417 Missing Link scheme between Gloucester and Swindon, which will boost regional economies and transform journeys for millions of people. The Development Consent Order means we can now take action to improve this much needed stretch of road to make it safer and reduce traffic congestion and the knock-on effect of rat running in local villages. This will make it easier for people to get around, help support regional growth and improve life in local communities. 

Construction will start on the project in early 2023, and during the start of the year we'll be preparing for this. You may see people in high-visibility jackets out and about undertaking surveys and site visits.

Kier also continues to work very closely with key stakeholders to finalise the detailed design of the scheme, namely the crossings and embankments. It has held several collaborative sessions with key stakeholders, who have been able to input and influence the final design. 

You can find the latest updates for the project at the top of the website, which we'll keep updated as work continues.

 

The A417/A419 provides an important route between Gloucester and Swindon that helps connect the Midlands/North to the South of England. It's an alternative to the M5/M4 route via Bristol. The Missing Link itself is a three-mile stretch of single-lane carriageway on the A417 between the Brockworth bypass and Cowley roundabout in Gloucestershire.

The Missing Link causes many problems for road users and those who live or work in the area. Congestion can be frequent and unpredictable, so some motorists divert onto local roads to avoid tailbacks. This causes difficulties for neighbouring communities and local roads were not built to accommodate so much traffic. Poor visibility and other factors also mean that accidents, many of which are serious, occur frequently along this section of road.

Our aim is to improve this section of the A417 with a scheme that includes:

  • 3.4 miles of new dual carriageway connecting the existing A417 Brockworth bypass with the existing A417 dual carriageway south of Cowley
  • the section to the west of the existing Air Balloon roundabout would follow the existing A417 corridor. However, the section to the south and east of the Air Balloon roundabout would be offline, away from the existing road corridor
  • a new junction at Shab Hill, providing a link from the A417 to the A436 towards Oxford and into Birdlip
  • a new junction would be included near Cowley, replacing the existing Cowley roundabout
  • the existing A417 between the Air Balloon roundabout and the Cowley roundabout would be repurposed. We would convert some lengths of this existing road into a route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, while retaining other sections to maintain local access for residents.

Our scheme to improve the A417 Missing Link will bring significant benefits to the local area. We spoke to residents, local businesses and political leaders to find out the problems they face and how our scheme could benefit the south west. 

Our scheme has four key objectives:

  • Transport and safety: to reduce delays, create a free-flowing road network and improve safety along this stretch of the A417
  • Environment and heritage: to reduce the impact on the landscape, natural and historic environment of the Cotswolds and, where possible, enhance the surrounding environment
  • Community and access: to reduce queuing traffic and pollution, improve access for local people to the strategic road network, and support residents and visitors’ enjoyment to the countryside
  • Economic growth: to help boost growth and prosperity by making journeys more reliable and improving connectivity

 

Reducing the impact of the A417 Missing Link on local communities
Our plans for the A417 Missing Link project have now been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for consent.

When built, the new road will reduce queuing traffic and pollution, improve access for local people to the strategic road network and support residents’ and visitors’ enjoyment of the countryside.

The improvements we’re making will, however, impact local people during construction and once the new road is open. We’ve carried out many surveys and assessments to see what these impacts might be and how we can avoid or reduce them where possible. We’ve looked at things like local access, air quality, noise and visual impacts, which were the key concerns raised during public consultation last year.

Take for example the village of Cowley, from feedback we received during our consultation in autumn 2021, we know that there are some concerns about noise and visual impact of the new road, as well as an increase in traffic on local roads following the addition of Cowley junction. We’ve done lots of things to help reduce the impact at Cowley and the impact on the village will be reduced compared to our previous proposals, for example:

  • we’ve positioned the new road on lower ground, so that it and the Cowley and Stockwell bridges aren’t so visible
  • we’ve restricted motor vehicle access to Cowley from Cowley junction to avoid rat running. Local residents, walkers, cyclists and horse riders will still have access.
  • we’ll create earth embankments with plants and trees on either side of the new road to help reduce noise and help hide the road
  • we’ll use a low-noise road surfacing
  • we’ll manage construction activities and associated traffic very carefully to reduce impacts and disruption to local people and visitors

Cross section showing landscape bunds used to screen views of the road

This is not an exhaustive list but hopefully this gives you an idea of the types of things we are doing across the project to carefully consider the potential impacts on local communities, businesses and visitors to the area.

For more detailed information on how we will reduce the impact of construction, you can read our Construction Traffic Management Plan and Environmental Management Plan that were submitted as part of our application.

Survey work on the A417

As part of our design work we carried out surveys to see what impacts the project may have on the local area and how we could reduce them. We looked at things like local air quality, biodiversity, archaeology, and noise.

Using information from our surveys we made some changes to our design, this included:

  • adding add new wildlife crossings so wildlife can safely get across the road once it’s built
  • building man-made embankments on either side of the new road to help reduce noise
  • changing the gradient of the road at Crickley Hill to reduce the road’s visual impact

You can find out more by watching our short video about the survey work which we filmed earlier this year.

We’re committed to doing everything in our power to reduce the impact of the new road on local people and the important landscape of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Our survey results and plans for reducing the effects of the new road are also included in our Environmental Statement which we submitted as part of our Development Consent Order.  

Will the new road be future proof?

We’ve recently submitted a Development Consent Order application to the Planning Inspectorate, which outlines our plans to upgrade the A417 Missing Link in the Cotswolds.

This project will create a safer and more reliable road and reduce traffic jams and rat running in the local area.

During consultation in autumn 2020, many people asked if the scheme was future proof: would it be able to cope with any future traffic increases.

The answer to this question is yes. We use the latest computer software to calculate how many vehicles will use the road in the future and then design roads and junctions appropriately.

At the start of projects, we collect lots of data. We count traffic close to the new road and further afield. We also use things like anonymous mobile phone data to show where people are travelling to and from. This allows us to understand how many vehicles are using local roads and why.

We then run this data through computer software, approved by the Government, to check that it represents the real world and then use it as the starting point to forecast future traffic numbers.

We calculate future traffic numbers using information given to us by the local council and the Department for Transport. We’re expecting the Government to update this data to take into account changing habits as a result of Covid-19.

This process is known as traffic modelling and has influenced the design of the scheme, for example the size of Ullenwood and Shab Hill junctions. It also helps us to work out the new road’s impact on air quality and local roads and how we can reduce these impacts.

We’ve used the model to forecast future road traffic accidents and expect to see fewer fatal or serious accidents once the new road is built.

We also know from our calculations that in general, there will be less traffic on local roads after the road is built. This is because there will be less congestion on the A417 so less reason for drivers to use alternative local routes.

You can read more about local journeys on pages 7 and 8 of Moving forward: response to public consultation in 2020 and next steps.

During construction, we appreciate there may be a short-term temporary impact on the way people access and enjoy the area. However, in the longer term, the scheme will improve safety and journey times, which will benefit the local and regional economy and make the area a more attractive place to explore and visit.

To help minimise disruption during construction we will:

  • keep the existing road open during construction while we build the new road alongside
  • use the new road to transport material as soon as sections are built, which will reduce traffic on the existing road
  • reuse excavated materials from the existing landscape wherever possible
  • carefully plan and manage our roadworks to ensure we maintain safety at all times

Unlocking economic growth for Gloucestershire and beyond

The A417/A419 provides an important route between Gloucester, Cheltenham and Swindon that helps connect the West Midlands and the north to the south of England via the M5 and M4 motorways.

As things stand, local businesses have told us that congestion and delays on the A417 are costing them money. Journey time reliability is currently as low as 63.4%. Staff sometimes struggle to get to work on time, deliveries are frequently delayed and its difficult for businesses to plan and schedule deliveries or keep to appointment times.

By making the section of the A417 between the Brockworth bypass and Cowley roundabout into a dual carriageway, it will be able to take more cars, congestion and delays will be significantly decreased and journey times will be more reliable. We’re predicting that the new road will reduce the average journey times between Cirencester and the M5 by up to 30% westbound and 20% eastbound.

This will help local businesses grow and prosper, and in turn create jobs. This supports the aspirations of local councils and key business organisation, who have identified transport infrastructure improvements as essential to stimulate regional economic growth.

The new road will also make it easier for people to visit the area. Already, the county welcomes over 16 million visitors who spend more than £1.1 billion. The tourism industry also employs over 26,000 people – 8% of the region’s workforce. This would grow even further if access to the area was improved.

Improving road links will also support regional housing growth. There are lots more houses and major mixed-use development sites (housing and business) planned for the region, which will result in more cars, but will also require the A417 to operate reliably.

In terms of monetary benefits, we predict that there will be:

  • significant accident reduction benefits valued at £65 million
  • journey time savings valued at £314 million
  • business user journey time reliability benefits of £40 million
  • commuting and other user journey time reliability benefits of approximately £31 million
  • significant wider economic benefits totalling £140 million

You can find out more about what benefits the A417 Missing Link project will bring my watching our short video below which we filmed a few years ago.

Biodiversity on the A417 Missing link

The A417 runs through the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which is celebrated for its rich, varied, and high-quality landscape.

We’ve carefully designed the new road to reduce its impact on the AONB’s special landscape, wildlife, and plants. We’re doing a lot to avoid, reduce or offset any effects of the scheme – this is known as mitigation.

As part of the mitigation for this scheme and to improve biodiversity, we’re planting lots of new and good-quality woodland, grassland, trees and hedgerows that are local to the area. These will help preserve and create additional habitats for local wildlife in the area.

We know from the large number of surveys that we’ve done, what plants and trees grow in the AONB. We’ll plant similar species to ensure they match and grow well in the area.

We’ve worked together with environmental stakeholders, including Natural England, and will create more important habitats than we’re taking away during construction.

Some of the positive things we are doing to benefit the area include creating:

  • 41 hectares of new limestone grassland
  • 61 miles of new hedgerows
  • 34 hectares of new scrubland such as small bushes and trees
  • 57 hectares of new, native woodland
  • 5 miles of new Cotswold drystone walls

The habitats we’ll be creating have been carefully designed to help wildlife move around more easily. For example, we've made the Gloucestershire Way crossing more wildlife friendly by adding more grassland and hedgerow. These habitats will be separated from the footpath allowing bats, badgers and other wildlife to safely cross the road.

We’ll also be adding new areas of limestone grassland and trees either side of the new Gloucestershire Way crossing. This means wildlife, especially invertebrates such as rare beetles and butterflies, will be able to move easily between areas of similar habitat at Crickley Hill and Barrow Wake Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

To add to this, we’ll be building an underpass for bats. This will allow them to safely cross from one side of the A417 to another. We'll also create several tunnels under the road, known as a ‘wildlife culvert’ for badgers to safely and easily move around the area.

We will be planting road verges with species-rich grassland and native wildflowers. This will create ideal conditions for these grasslands to thrive and grow, help preserve and create new habitats for local wildlife, and help alleviate things such as noise from the road.

We’re continuing to work with environmental stakeholders and local landowners to explore further opportunities for improving biodiversity in the local area.

Further information about biodiversity can be found in Chapter 8 of our Environmental Statement which was submitted as part of our Development Consent Order application.

What people are saying about our project?  

 

As we near construction later in the year, we’ve been reflecting on why this project is so important and been talking to people about what the scheme means to them.    

In the following 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:

In this video we hear from Julian Lavington, Chair of Birdlip Parish Council and Chris Nelson, Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner about what the scheme will mean for transport and safety:

This video features Kier’s Environmental Manager Claire Elliott and Andy Parsons from Cotswold National Landscape who explain the importance of protecting the special landscape of the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and what measures are being taken to do this:

Here, Cllr Mark Hawthorne, the 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 explains what it means for the local community and tourism:

We also hear from David Owen at GFirst Local Enterprise Partnership, Sam Holiday of the Federation of Small Businesses and a local business about how the project will help local businesses to thrive:

 

Documents

A417 Missing Link Public Consultation - Booklet
A417 Missing Link Public Consultation - Feedback Questionnaire
A417 Statement of Community Consultation - September 2019
A417 Missing Link Public Consultation - Consultation Plan - Climbing the Escarpment
A417 Missing Link Public Consultation - Consultation Plan - Overall Scheme
A417 Missing Link Public Consultation - Consultation Plan - Repurposed A417
A417 Missing Link Public Consultation - Consultation Plan - Shab Hill to Cowley Junction
A417 Missing Link Public Consultation - Red Line Boundary Plan
A417 Missing Link Public Consultation - Mainline Plan and Profile Sheet 1
A417 Missing Link Public Consultation - Mainline Plan and Profile Sheet 2
A417 Missing Link Public Consultation - Mainline Plan and Profile Sheet 3
A417 Missing Link Public Consultation - Mainline Plan and Profile Sheet 4
A417 Missing Link - Preliminary Environmental Information Report
A417 Missing Link - Preliminary Environmental Information Report - Appendices
A417 Missing Link - Preliminary Environmental Information Report - Figures Volume 1
A417 Missing Link - Preliminary Environmental Information Report - Figures Volume 2
A417 Missing Link - Preliminary Environmental Information Report - Figures Volume 3
A417 Missing Link - Preliminary Environmental Information Report - Figures Volume 4
A417 Missing Link - Preliminary Environmental Information Report - Figures Volume 5
A417 Missing Link - Preliminary Environmental Information Report - Figures Volume 6
A417 Missing Link - Preliminary Environmental Information Report - Non Technical Summary

The Development Consent Order (DCO) process was established by the Planning Act 2008 and is used for certain large and complex schemes (including highway improvements) that have been designated as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) by the Government.

The Secretary of State for Transport granted development consent for the A417 Missing Link Development Consent Order (DCO) on 16 November 2022. Links to key DCO documentation can be found below:

The made DCO is Statutory Instrument 2022 No. 1248 and is available to view at legislation.gov.uk.

Development Consent Order – Requirements Register

Requirements are conditions that have been included in the DCO, these control how the project must be implemented (constructed and maintained). Implementing the DCO in accordance with these conditions involves completing approval processes that have been defined in the DCO. These processes are referred to here and in the DCO as “discharging” the requirements.

This Requirements Register is a live document and will be updated as the process to discharge the requirements progresses.

The latest version will always be published below:

View the Requirements Register

This register will be maintained for three years following completion of the project. The register sets out:

  • each requirement
  • whether the requirement needs approval by the Secretary of State (or other duty holder)
  • whether any approval has been applied for or given

Traffic information

Information about scheduled roadworks and events on our motorways and major roads.

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