Drivers begin using first section of new A417 Missing Link as project reaches key milestone

Motorists are now travelling on the first newly constructed section of the A417 Missing Link scheme after National Highways opened part of the upgraded route, marking one of the most significant milestones since work began in 2023.

The traffic switch allows drivers to use approximately two miles of the new carriageway, providing the first glimpse of the infrastructure that will eventually replace one of the South West's most notorious bottlenecks.

The £460 million A417 Missing Link project is transforming a three-mile stretch of single carriageway between the Brockworth bypass and Cowley Roundabout, creating a continuous dual carriageway through the Cotswolds and improving safety, resilience and journey reliability.

Traffic transferred onto new carriageway

Following a weekend closure, vehicles are now travelling on the newly constructed alignment from the Ullenwood junction, where the A436 meets Leckhampton Hill.

The temporary traffic arrangement will remain in place for at least five weeks while construction continues on adjacent sections of the scheme.

National Highways has advised drivers to take extra care as the layout differs significantly from the previous route.

Motorists will encounter narrower traffic lanes, a 40mph speed limit, and will pass beneath the project's new green bridge and through the developing Shab Valley interchange.

Transforming a long-standing bottleneck

The A417 Missing Link has long been regarded as one of the country's most problematic sections of strategic road, with the remaining single-carriageway stretch creating congestion, unreliable journey times and an increased risk of collisions.

Once complete, the scheme will deliver approximately four miles of new dual carriageway, linking the existing dual carriageway at Brockworth with the A417 south of Cowley to create a continuous high-quality route.

The project also includes new junctions at Shab Hill, improving connections with the A436 towards Oxford and Birdlip, together with a replacement junction near Cowley.

Existing road to become route for active travel

As construction progresses, the existing section of the A417 between the Air Balloon junction and the B4070 will close permanently to motor traffic.

Rather than being removed, the former carriageway will be repurposed for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, creating a dedicated route for non-motorised users while reducing traffic through the sensitive Cotswolds landscape.

Completion expected in 2027

The latest traffic switch represents one of the most important construction milestones achieved since work commenced in early 2023.

By moving vehicles onto the new carriageway, contractors can continue work on the remaining sections of the scheme while maintaining traffic flow through the corridor.

National Highways expects the full A417 Missing Link project to be completed in early 2027, delivering a safer, more reliable route between Gloucester, Cirencester and the wider South West, while addressing a missing section of dual carriageway that has affected drivers for decades.