A417 missing link

Latest updates

• 18 July 2025

  A417 road closures

  We're carrying out essential improvement works on the A417 this summer. We know these dates fall during the busy holiday period, so please plan your journey in advance and check your route to avoid delays.

  Weekend closures

  The A417 will be closed between the Air Balloon Roundabout and the A429 Burford Road junction from:

  • 11pm on Friday 25 July to 6am on Monday 28 July
  • 11pm on Friday 1 August to 6am on Monday 4 August
  • 11pm on Friday 15 August to 6am on Monday 17 August

  Please note that the closure scheduled from Friday 15 August to Monday 17 August may not be required, depending on progress of the works.

  Night-time closures

  The A417 will be closed between the Air Balloon Roundabout and the A429 Burford Road junction overnight Monday 28 July to Thursday 31 July between 9pm and 6am. The A417 will be open for traffic during the day from 6am to 9pm.

  These closures are necessary to allow us to:

  • construct utility ducting
  • realign sections of the road
  • carry out essential surfacing works
  • begin construction of the new Cowley Roundabout

  We understand that some noise from these works could potentially be heard from nearby properties, and we'd like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.

  Fully signposted diversion routes will be in place during the closure.

  Please follow the official diversion route and not satnavs, as these may not show the most appropriate alternative routes during roadworks.

  Access for emergency services will be fully maintained during the closures.

  Barrow Wake car park closure

  Please remember that Barrow Wake viewpoint car park will remain closed until Spring 2027. This is so that we can build a new dry-stone wall to stop glare from vehicle lights. We're also installing drainage tanks under the carriageway.

  Local businesses will remain open as normal. 

   

• 13 June 2025

  Closures in June and July

  A417 - A46 Brockworth junction to the Air Balloon roundabout

  The A417 will be closed between the A46 Brockworth junction and the Air Balloon roundabout: 

  • 9pm on Saturday 21 June to 6am Monday 23 June
  • Overnight Sunday 29 June to Friday 4 July between 9pm and 6am
  • 11pm on Friday 4 July to 6am Monday 7 July 

  These closures are required while we carry out resurfacing activities, white lining and install vehicle restraint systems.

  We understand that some noise from these works could potentially be heard from nearby properties, and we’d like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause. 

  Access between the A417, Leckhampton Hill, and the A436 via the Air Balloon Roundabout will remain open, including entry to Crickley Hill Country Park.

  Access for emergency services will be fully maintained during the closures. 

  Diversion

  For the southbound diversion - Brockworth junction to Air Balloon roundabout: 

  • Turn left towards Cheltenham onto the A46 Shurdington Road. 
  • Turn right towards Oxford onto the A40 Thirlestaine Road. 
  • Turn right towards Cirencester onto the A40 Old bath Road. 
  • Turn right towards Cirencester on the A435. 
  • Turn right on the Seven Springs roundabout onto the A436. 
  • Continue towards Cirencester on the A417. 
  • Turn left towards Cirencester onto the A417.

  For the northbound diversion - Air Balloon roundabout to Brockworth junction: 

  • Turn right at the Air Balloon Roundabout, follow the A436 towards Seven Springs. 
  • From Seven Springs roundabout, follow Cirencester road towards Cheltenham. 
  • Continue on the A435 and turn left towards Cheltenham onto the A40. 
  • Turn left onto the A40 Old Bath Road.
  • Follow the road to the right and remain on the A40. 
  • Turn left onto the A46 Shurdington Road.
  • Take the third turning at Brockworth junction to travel towards Gloucester.

  B4070 closure

  The B4070 will be closed between Birdlip Village and the access to Barrow Wake viewpoint for two nights: 

  • Tuesday 24 June and Wednesday 25 June, between 9pm and 6am 

  This closure is required to allow for vegetation clearance and the installation of drainage and utilities. 

  The B4070 will remain open on the section of road outside The Royal George pub, Birdlip Hill and continuing onto Cirencester Road. 

  Our traffic management team will be positioned at both ends of the road closure and will be available to escort residents who live within the closure area only. 

  We understand that some noise from these works could potentially be heard from nearby properties, and we’d like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause. 

  Diversion

  A417 to Birdlip: 

  • Follow the A417 Northbound to the Air Balloon Roundabout.
  • At the roundabout, turn left and continue down the hill on the
  • A417 towards the A46 Brockworth Junction.
  • At Brockworth Junction, turn left onto the A46 Shurdington Road.
  • At Cross Hands Roundabout, turn left onto Cirencester Road. 

  Turn right onto Ermin Way and continue towards Birdlip Hill. 

  Birdlip to A417:

  • Travel down Birdlip Hill onto Ermin Way, then turn left onto Cirencester Road.
  • At Cross Hands Roundabout, turn right onto the A46 Shurdington Road.
  • At the A46 Brockworth Junction, turn right onto the A417 and travel up the hill.
  • At the Air Balloon Roundabout, turn right to continue on the A417. 

  A417 - the Highwayman Inn to the A429

  The A417 will be closed between the Highwayman Inn and the A429 Burford Road junction (southbound): 

  • Thursday 26 June between 9pm and 6am 

  Diversion

  Air Balloon to A429 Burford Road Southbound: 

  • Follow A436 towards Stow-on-the-Wold
  • Turn left towards the Seven Springs roundabout
  • At Seven Springs Roundabout, turn left and then right onto the A436 Oxford Road
  • Turn right towards Oxford and follow the A40
  • Turn right towards Cirencester onto the A429 

  Please follow the official diversion routes.

  Access for emergency services will be fully maintained during the closures. 

• 19 May 2025

  Weekend closure

  The A417 will be closed between the A46 Brockworth junction and the Air Balloon roundabout for a full weekend from 11pm on Friday 30 May to 6am on Monday 2 June.

  The closure is required while we remove and reinstate kerbs, verges, install drainage and carry out resurfacing activities as part of the A417 Missing Link scheme. 

  We understand that some noise from these works could potentially be heard from nearby properties, and we’d like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.

  Access between the A417, Leckhampton Hill, and the A436 via the Air Balloon Roundabout will remain open, including entry to Crickley Hill Country Park.

  Fully signposted diversion routes will be in place during the closure. Please follow the official diversion route not satnavs.

  Diversions

  For the southbound diversion - Brockworth junction to Air Balloon roundabout:

  • turn left towards Cheltenham onto the A46 Shurdington Road
  • turn right towards Oxford onto the A40 Thirlestaine Road
  • turn right towards Cirencester onto the A40 Old bath Road
  • turn right towards Cirencester on the A435
  • turn right on the Seven Springs roundabout onto the A436
  • continue towards Cirencester on the A417
  • turn left towards Cirencester onto the A417

  For the northbound diversion - Air Balloon roundabout to Brockworth junction:

  • turn right at the Air Balloon Roundabout, follow the A436 towards Seven Springs
  • from Seven Springs roundabout, follow Cirencester road towards Cheltenham
  • continue on the A435 and turn left towards Cheltenham onto the A40
  • turn left onto the A40 Old Bath Road
  • follow the road to the right and remain on the A40
  • turn left onto the A46 Shurdington Road
  • take the third turning at Brockworth junction to travel towards Gloucester

   

• 30 April 2025

  A417 overnight closures

  We'll close the A417 overnight (9pm to 6am) between the A46 Brockworth junction and the Air Balloon roundabout from: 

  Monday 12 May to Friday 16 May 

  We need this closure to remove and reinstate kerbs, verges, install drainage and carry out resurfacing activities. 

  Please follow the official diversion route and not satnavs. 

  Southbound diversion - Brockworth junction to Air Balloon roundabout: 

  • turn left towards Cheltenham onto the A46 Shurdington Road
  • turn right towards Oxford onto the A40 Thirlestaine Road
  • turn right towards Cirencester onto the A40 Old Bath Road
  • turn right towards Cirencester on the A345
  • turn right on the Seven Springs roundabout onto the A436
  • continue towards Cirencester on the A417

  Northbound diversion - Air Balloon roundabout to Brockworth junction:

  • turn right at the Air Balloon Roundabout, follow the A436 towards Seven Springs
  • from Seven Springs roundabout, follow Cirencester road towards Cheltenham
  • continue on the A435 and turn left towards Cheltenham onto the A40
  • turn left onto the A40 Old Bath Road
  • follow the road to the right and remain on the A40
  • turn left onto the A46 Shurdington Road
  • take the third turning at Brockworth junction to travel towards Gloucester 

• 11 April 2025

  Overnight closures between A46 Brockworth junction and the Air Balloon roundabout

  We’ll close the A417 overnight (9pm to 6am) between the A46 Brockworth junction and the Air Balloon roundabout on: 

  • Thursday 24 April to Friday 25 April 

  We need this closure to carry out surfacing activities. 

  The A436, Leckhampton Hill and the A417 towards Cirencester, will be accessible from the Air Balloon Roundabout under temporary traffic lights. 

  Please follow the official diversion route and not satnavs. 

  Southbound diversion - Brockworth junction to Air Balloon roundabout: 

  • turn left towards Cheltenham onto the A46 Shurdington Road
  • turn right towards Oxford onto the A40 Thirlestaine Road
  • turn right towards Cirencester onto the A40 Old bath Road
  • turn right towards Cirencester on the A345
  • turn right on the Seven Springs roundabout onto the A436
  • continue towards Cirencester on the A417 

  Northbound diversion - Air Balloon roundabout to Brockworth junction: 

  • from Seven Springs roundabout, follow Cirencester road towards Cheltenham
  • continue on the A435 and turn left towards Cheltenham onto the A40
  • turn left onto the A40 Old Bath Road
  • follow the road to the right and remain on the A40 
  • turn left onto the A46 Shurdington Road
  • take the third turning at Brockworth junction to travel towards Gloucester 

• 02 April 2025

  Cirencester Road closure

  We need to install drainage along Cirencester Road in Witcombe and to carry out this work safely we will need evening road closures.

  Cirencester Road will be closed between Dog Lane and Green Lane from Monday 7 April to Friday 18 April, between the hours of 5pm to midnight. 

  During the day, one side of the carriageway will remain closed, and the road will operate under two-way lights.

  Once the work is complete, the carriageway will fully reopen at 11:45 pm on Friday 18 April.

  Fully signposted diversion routes will be in place during the closure. 

  Please follow the official diversion route and not satnavs. 

  Witcombe residents on the western side of the A417, will not be able to travel under the bridge via Cirencester Road during the road closure.

• 12 March 2025

  Mid-week lane closures at Air Balloon Roundabout and weekend closure on the A436

  There will be mid-week lane closures at the Air Balloon Roundabout and a weekend closure on the A436 this month while we carry out road surfacing activities.

  Overnight lane closure:

  We will be closing one lane for eastbound traffic travelling from the Air Balloon roundabout onto the A436.

  This closure will take place overnight only between the hours of 9pm and 6am from Monday 24 March to Thursday 27 March.

  We will be keeping one lane open for traffic travelling westbound from the A436 towards the Air Balloon roundabout. 

  Weekend closure:

  The A436 will be closed between the Air Balloon roundabout and the Seven Springs roundabout between 9pm on Friday 28 March and 6am on Monday 31 March.

  During the mid-week closure and the weekend closure:

  • The A436 and the top of Leckhampton Hill will be closed.
  • Access to Crickley Hill Country Park will be available via the closure point on Leckhampton Hill.
  • The Air Balloon roundabout will continue to be open for all traffic travelling between the A46 Brockworth junction and the A417. 

  Fully signposted diversion routes will be in place during the closures. Please follow the official diversion route and not satnavs.

   

• 25 February 2025

  A417 overnight closures in March

  We'll close the A417 overnight (9pm to 6am) between the Air Balloon roundabout and Burford Road junction on these dates:

  • Wednesday 5 March to Thursday 6 March
  • Thursday 6 March to Friday 7 March 

  We need these closures to remove lighting columns safely.

  We'll put fully signposted diversion routes in place during the closure. 

• 29 January 2025

  A436 overnight closures

  The A436 will be closed between the Air Balloon roundabout and the Seven Springs roundabout overnight on the following dates: 

  • 9pm on Thursday 6 February to 6am on Friday 7 February
  • 9pm on Friday 7 February to 6am on Saturday 8 February

  Due to recent weather conditions, we will be bringing forward our work to install permanent drainage in this area to prevent flooding.

  We apologise for the short notice of this closure caused by the change in schedule.

  We have taken measures to reduce disruption where possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.

  Fully signposted diversion routes will be in place during the closure.

  Please follow the official diversion route and not satnavs.

  Eastbound diversion - Air Balloon to Seven Springs

  • Follow the A417 towards Gloucester
  • Turn right towards Cheltenham onto the A46 Shurdington Road
  • Turn right onto the A40 towards Oxford
  • Turn right towards Cirencester
  • Turn right onto the A435 Cirencester Road

  Westbound diversion - Air Balloon to Seven Springs

  • Continue on the A436 towards Cheltenham
  • Turn left onto the A40 London Road
  • Turn left towards Gloucester
  • Turn left towards Gloucester onto the A40 Bath Road
  • Turn left onto the A46 Shurdington Road

  Access for residents and emergency services will be fully maintained during the closures.

  If you have any questions, or you would like to speak to someone about this work, you can call our contact centre on 0300 123 5000, who will pass your details to the team, or email a417missinglinkatairballoon@nationalhighways.co.uk.

   

• 27 January 2025

  A417 weekend closures

  The A417 will be closed between the A46 Brockworth junction and the Air Balloon roundabout for two full weekends on the following dates: 

  • 11pm on Friday 21 February to 6am on Monday 24 February
  • 11pm on Friday 7 March to 6am on Monday 10 March 

  The closures are needed so we can install drainage and utilities. 
  Fully signposted diversion routes will be in place. Please follow the official diversion route and not satnavs.

  Access for residents with permits and emergency services will be maintained during the closures.

  We’re here to help during weekend closures with a 24-hour contact number 07751742091. Feel free to text us any questions, and we’ll respond within an hour.

  Diversions

  For the southbound diversion - Brockworth junction to Air Balloon roundabout:

  • turn left towards Cheltenham onto the A46 Shurdington Road
  • turn right towards Oxford onto the A40 Thirlestaine Road
  • turn right towards Cirencester onto the A40 Old bath Road
  • turn right towards Cirencester on the A345
  • continue straight towards Birdlip
  • turn right on the Seven Springs roundabout onto the A436
  • turn left towards Cirencester onto the A417

  For the northbound diversion - Air Balloon roundabout to Brockworth junction:

  • from Seven Springs roundabout, follow Cirencester road towards Cheltenham
  • continue on the A435 and turn left towards Cheltenham onto the A40
  • turn left onto the A40 Old Bath Road
  • follow the road to the right and remain on the A40 
  • turn left onto the A46 Shurdington Road
  • take the third turning at Brockworth junction to travel towards Gloucester 

  If you have any questions, or you would like to speak to someone about this work, you can call our contact centre on 0300 123 5000 or email a417missinglinkatairballoon@nationalhighways.co.uk.

• 10 January 2025

  Work update – January 2025

  The A46 Brockworth junction to the Air Balloon roundabout will be closed overnight (weekday nights only) between Monday 20 January and Friday 31 January 2025, 9pm to 6am.

  We will be installing average speed cameras, realigning the road, replacing cones and setting barriers.

  These closures are necessary to ensure the safety of our workforce and to reduce disruption to drivers during periods of lighter traffic.

  Diversion routes will be signposted.

  The diversions will be via the A46 Shurdington Road, A40 Thirlestaine Road, A40 Old bath Road, A345, A436 and A417.

  Other works

  We will also be carrying out sheet piling during the day between the hours of 7am and 6pm from Monday 27 January for approximately three weeks.

  We apologise for the noise caused by this work. We are making every effort to minimise noise levels and complete the work as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.

• 17 December 2024

  Construction round up 2024

  Take a look at the progress that has been made on the A417 Missing Link project this year in our video below.

• 31 January 2024

  A look ahead to 2024

  This January, we’ve been continuing with our preliminary works. As well as building a new site entrance close to the Air Balloon roundabout, we’ve been busy widening a section of carriageway on the A417 so that we can keep traffic moving more smoothly during the next phase of construction.

  In April, we'll be ready to start building the new section of the A417. This section is to the south and east of the Air Balloon roundabout and is referred to as ‘offline’ as it is away from the existing road network.

  Connecting Parishes

  Improving connectivity doesn’t just apply to the road! Connecting Parishes is a project that National Highways is working on, together with Gloucestershire County Council and the Gloucestershire Local Access Forum, to improve connectivity and accessibility of the Public Rights of Way (PRoW) near the A417.

  How is the project being funded?

  This project has received Designated Funding from National Highways’ ‘Users and Communities’ fund, which aligns with the ‘Walkers, Cyclists and Horse Riders and Communities’ themes. The purpose of these funding streams is to build new infrastructure and enhance existing facilities to encourage sustainable, non-motorised forms of transport.

  What is Connecting Parishes?

  The Connecting Parishes project seeks to reconnect PRoW between neighbouring parishes and the Cotswolds Way, which were previously severed by the Strategic Road Network.

  There will be a core focus on improving active travel, ensuring there are more accessible and safer active travel options which will enhance local connectivity for communities and allow more people to enjoy the Cotswolds National Landscape (formerly known as the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).

  Working with Gloucestershire County Council, who are leading on delivering these projects, Connecting Parishes consists of 18 different sections of Public Rights of Way which will link into the Air Balloon Way, the Cotswold Way or other promoted routes.

  You may have noticed some work has already started. If these works have impacted you, we’d like to thank you for your patience and understanding while we deliver this important project, which will offer many benefits to local people and visitors. We’ll share more updates with you and photos as the project progresses.

• 08 January 2024

  Digging for Britain feature

  We’ve started off 2024 with some exciting news as the A417 Missing Link project is featured in the new series of Digging for Britain. The eleventh series of the popular TV programme went live on BBC iPlayer on the 2 January and the episode that features the project aired live on the 4 January.

  The project features in episode 3 at around 48 minutes in. We hope you enjoy watching it and find it as fascinating as us! This is just a small part of the important preparatory work we’ve been busy doing. You can watch the episode here. 

• 21 December 2023

  Air Balloon pub demolition complete

  As you may have seen, demolition of the Air Balloon pub has now been completed. This was a necessary step to make way for the new A417 Missing Link road, which we will start to build early in the new year. 

  We understand how many of you value the history of the pub and, recognising that it was named after one of the first British balloon flights, we’re proposing to call a section of the repurposed A417, the Air Balloon Way. 

  We’re also planning to reuse as much of the building materials as possible and are exploring the possibility of using some of it to create installations and outdoor furniture for the local area that celebrate its cherished history. We already have a local carpenter lined up to make some benches that will eventually be located on the new and improved walking, cycling and horse riding network for all to enjoy. 

  We’ve started to clear vegetation in preparation for the next phase of construction. All vegetation clearance is being done sensitively, under the watchful eye of an independent arboricultural clerk of works. Site-wide inspections of trees and vegetation, ecological surveys and mitigation to protect trees and local bat populations were done prior to this work commencing. Wherever possible we will be replacing lost vegetation and trees, which will over time help screen the new road and create new habitats and habitat connections for native wildlife to flourish. 

• 01 December 2023

  Seal of approval paves way for main construction

  We’ve been working hard behind the scenes with local authorities and statutory bodies to ensure that planning conditions (requirements), as set out in our Development Consent Order, are met and signed-off (discharged) by the Secretary of State for Transport ahead of main construction. 

  A key milestone for the project, this task has now been completed and means we can start the main build in early 2024.  

  As we move towards this next phase you will start to see vegetation clearance along the route, which is being carried out under the watchful eye of a specialist clerk of works.

  Secretary of State speaks about the scheme 

  In this short video, Rt Hon Mark Harper MP talks about the A417 Missing Link project during his recent visit to site. The Secretary of State is joined by Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, CEO National Highways Nick Harris, Project Director Kevin Jones and Environmental Laad Kris Atkins.

  What’s happening next?  

  Take a moment to watch this new animation video which explains how we are phasing construction of the A417 Missing Link. 

  Success as project secures prestigious NIPA award 

  We’re delighted to share that the A417 Missing Link project has been named winner of the National Infrastructure Planning Association (NIPA) Infrastructure Award 2023. The award recognises best practice for planning, design, development and delivery of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. Commendations were given for “genuinely listening to stakeholders and changing design accordingly”. 

  The success of this project, through preliminary design, planning and Development Consent, has only been possible thanks to our stakeholders and the collaborative relationships we have with you.  

  Our shared goal has been to deliver much needed improvements to tackle the long-standing congestion and safety issues on this road, whilst conserving and enhancing the special character of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  

  A huge thank you goes to the local MPs, Cotswolds National Landscape, National Trust, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, our colleagues at Gloucestershire County Council, Cotswold District Council, Tewkesbury Borough Council, landowners and local communities. Every one of our stakeholders and partners has been key to shaping the scheme and its landscape-led vision. 

  We will continue to engage, keep you informed and ask for your support as we move through the construction phase. 

  

• 20 September 2023

  Supporting 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

• 16 November 2022

  Scheme 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.  

  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.

  To help you visualise the new road, see our latest fly-through animation.

  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.

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

• 29 June 2022

  School pupils dig visit from National Highways staff

  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.”

• 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