Drivers to use new permanent A417 as layout between Gloucester and Cirencester opens this month
Part of the A417 will be closed this month while work on the scheme continues
A major change is coming for drivers on the A417, with plans for the new permanent road layout to open between Gloucester and Cirencester later this month.
The A417 Missing Link scheme, which is being delivered by National Highways together with its main contractor Kier, will ultimately deliver a safe and resilient dual carriageway, improving the connection between the two dual carriageway sections of the A417 at Brockworth and Cowley, and a vital link between the M4 and M5.
National Highways said to safely complete the switch the A417 will be closed in both directions between the A46 Brockworth Junction and the Air Balloon roundabout during the following periods:
- 11pm Friday 11 September to 6am Monday 14 September
- 9pm Monday 14 September to 6am Friday 18 September (overnight closures only)
Weather permitting, drivers should be able to use the new permanent A417 layout from Friday 18 September, travelling along the length of the A417 between Gloucester and Cirencester without having to negotiate a roundabout.
National Highways say the work may cause some noise while it's carried out.
During closures, fully signed diversion routes will guide drivers, and access for emergency services will be maintained.
Officials are asking drivers to adhere to these diversion routes instead of relying on sat navs.
Celine Acard, National Highways Senior Project Manager for the A417 Missing Link scheme, said: “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.
“Once completed, the upgrade will transform journeys, improving reliability and safety, and bring long-term benefits for local communities, businesses and visitors alike.
“By switching traffic onto this new section now, it enables users to follow the new A417 from Gloucester to Cheltenham, improving journeys and safety, while minimising disruption and protecting our workforce.
“We appreciate this work may cause some delays when the layout first changes, but we expect journey times to improve on the A417 following the switch.”
Gavin Jones, Kier Project Director, added: “This project milestone is very significant. It marks the first time that traffic will be able to travel along the length of the A417 from the M5 to the M4 without having to negotiate a roundabout. Effectively, the A417 Missing Link project has now reached the point that the 'missing' can be consigned to history.
“We still have lots of work to do on the project, and you will see us working alongside the live carriageway on the new A417, building the remaining lanes, plus we will continue to transform the old A417 into a footpath, bridleway and cycle route.
“We thank the public and stakeholders for their support to get to this important point, and we appreciate everyone's patience whilst we finish the job.”