A417 Missing Link: Warning of delays amid new dual carriageway

Users of the A417 Missing Link will see significant changes from this week, with a new section of dual carriageway launching, a new road layout and a traffic switch.

National Highways said the new A436 within the project was due to be open from 6am today (Monday, July 6).

The government-owned company - charged with operating, maintaining and improving motorways and major A-roads in England - also highlighted a permanent closure of the existing A417 between The Air Balloon Roundabout and the current B4070 at Birdlip, with repurposing for non-motorised users to come later.

A temporary traffic switch was due to follow a weekend closure including the A436 and A46 Brockworth junction to The Air Balloon Roundabout from the evening of Friday, July 3 to 6am on July 6.

National Highways said once the weekend work was complete, motorists would be able to travel on a two-mile stretch of the new A417.

This will form part of the permanent, upgraded route.

The company said the latest traffic switch will involve moving traffic from the existing A417 carriageway onto the first significant section of new road from the Ullenwood junction (the intersection of Leckhampton Hill and the A436).

There will be narrower lanes and a 40 miles per hour restriction in place as motorists follow the new road up and under the green bridge and utilise the new Shab Valley interchange.

Celine Acard, National Highways senior project manager for the A417 Missing Link scheme, said moving traffic onto the new section at the moment allows the company ‘to keep the road open for the travelling public while minimising disruption and protecting our workforce’.

However, she said the work will probably result in substantial delays in the area and drivers are advised ‘to plan ahead and to consider alternative routes where possible’.

The temporary route will be in place for at least five weeks, with further summer road closures of the A417 and A436 in July to be communicated when confirmed.

Official diversion directions, walking routes and other information will also be communicated.

All updates will be available here: tinyurl.com/3hts7fh7

National Highways said the road upgrade will ultimately provide ‘a safe and resilient dual carriageway, improving the connection between the two dual carriageway sections of the A417 at Brockworth and Cowley’, as well as providing ‘a vital link between the M4 and M5’.

The A417 Missing Link scheme (Image: Supplied)

According to the company, building work has been phased ‘very carefully’ to minimise the effect on both communities in the area and drivers using the A417.

“The progress made on the A417 Missing Link has been truly significant, and this latest milestone reflects the dedication and collaboration of everyone involved in delivering this vital scheme,” Ms Acard said.

“Once completed, the upgrade will bring many benefits that will transform journeys, improve reliability and safety and bring long-term benefits for communities in the area, businesses and visitors alike.

“By switching traffic onto this new section now, it enables us to keep the road open for the travelling public while minimising disruption and protecting our workforce.

“We appreciate the work is likely to cause significant delays in the area, and we advise people to plan ahead and to consider alternative routes where possible, particularly at peak travel times.”

Gavin Jones, project director at Kier Infrastructure, added: “It’s fantastic we’ll see members of the public using this section of the new road for the very first time from Monday.

“This milestone reflects the commitment and expertise shown by colleagues across the project, as well as our close collaboration with National Highways and our partners.

“I’d like to say thank you to everyone who has helped us reach this important stage of the scheme.”