The A417 Missing Link Scheme would be one of Gloucestershire’s largest road projects for decades. The Government approved it last week for a £460 upgrade. It is a new dual carriageway replacing the single carriageway between the Air Balloon and Cowley roundabouts near Birdlip.

The construction would be online and offline forms. The offline refers to building work held at the A417 with the existing A417 running as usual. While Online construction means building work on it with roadworks and control flow in place that would temporarily impact motorists.

The Project Team working on National Highway A417 states, “We are delighted with Minister’s decision and would like to thank everyone who provided feedback and helped shape this vital scheme.” Furthermore, they add, “As we work closely with environmental stakeholders and local communities towards the start of construction in 2021, we make sure to keep everyone informed, and disruption is minimum.”

Preparatory work for the project would start in early 2023 with construction starting in 2024. The Highway would make it easier for people to get around, help support regional growth and improve life in the local communities.