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What's happening with roadworks on the A417?

National Highways A computer generated image showing what the Missing Link on the a417 will look like once finished. There is a large bridge stretching across the motorway with grass and hedges planted on top, and a pedestrian walkway on the left. There are fields and trees surrounding the road.National Highways
The increased road capacity from the project aims to reduce congestion, traffic delays and improve safety

A number of road closures will be in place as construction continues to transform the layout of a major commuter route.

National Highways is constructing four miles (6.4km) of new dual carriageway between Brockworth bypass with the existing A417 dual carriageway south of Cowley.

The authority said the revamped route was needed after "frequent and unpredictable" congestion and serious crashes.

Next week, overnight closures will be in place between Wednesday and Friday on the A417 between the Air Balloon Roundabout and Burford Road Junction, from 21:00 until 06:00 GMT.

National Highways said so far, more than 420,000 cubic metres of earth has been moved in the £460m project, which is due to open to traffic in spring 2027.

The earthworks mean the foundations for the new bridges have now been laid.

National Highways have also started piling works at numerous areas, using a specialist drilling rig to install foundations, posts and walls.

Works have also begun on building a new section of the A417 at Cowley Junction.

In the meantime, the Cowley Roundabout contraflow system will be in place until 2027.

National Highways An aerial image showing the progress on the A417 Missing Link scheme. It is a large sprawling patch of land that has been levelled out, surrounded by fields and trees. In the foreground there is a digger truck with a bed full of dirt.National Highways
A new junction at Shab Hill will provide a link from the A417 to the A436

Engineers will soon begin building the Stockwell overbridge, and continue progress on seven kilometres of new Cotswold drystone walling, which aims to reduce road noise.

National Highways confirmed there will be ongoing monitoring of wildlife in the area as work is being completed, including surveys of bats, birds, reptiles and badgers.

The existing A417 route, between the Air Balloon roundabout and the Cowley Roundabout, is being repurposed into a route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders,

Other stretches of the route will be maintained for residents to use.

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