Busy A-road to close before drivers can use new layout

An A-road is set to close this weekend and then overnight next week to allow works to be completed that will enable drivers to use a new layout after years of disruption.

The A417 Missing Link scheme aims improve the connection between road sections at Brockworth and Cowley, Gloucestershire, and has been under way since 2023.

It is hoped from Friday 18 September, people can drive on the A417 between Gloucester and Cirencester without having to negotiate the Air Balloon Roundabout, which is being removed.

The A417 will be closed between the A46 Brockworth Junction and the roundabout from 23:00 on Friday until 06:00 on Monday, and then between 21:00 and 06:00 from Monday to Friday 18 September.

National Highways, which is behind the £460m scheme along with contractor Kier, said the switchover was weather dependent.

Céline Acard, National Highways senior project manager for the scheme, said the upgrade would "transform journeys" between Gloucester and Cirencester, and bring long-term benefits for local businesses.

"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," Acard said.

"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, said the A417 Missing Link project had "now reached the point that the 'missing' can be consigned to history".

He said: "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."

Fully signposted diversion routes will be in place during the closure, National Highways said.

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