Missing Link: National Highways disputes £6m private tunnel reports

NATIONAL HIGHWAYS has disputed reports that it is constructing a private tunnel to the home of a man next to a major new road project.

The government-owned company, which is charged with operating, maintaining and improving motorways and major A roads in England, said that national and regional media coverage on the A417 Missing Link and a private tunnel to the home of Brian Garlick ‘is absent of key information and relevant context’.

“National Highways is not building a £6m private tunnel to the property that Mr Garlick lives in so that he can maintain access,” the company said.

It was reported that Mr Garlick, 69, has been forced out of his home alongside the Missing Link near Birdlip and will have to access his home through the tunnel - which could cost up to £6 million.

He said National Highways has withdrawn an offer of £750,000 to buy the property so he will be stuck with it after the project is completed in 2027.

And he said he was shocked at hearing the safest way to access his home when the three-mile-long Missing Link dual carriageway eventually opens would be through a specially built tunnel - costing between £4 million and £6 million.

However, in a blog post, National Highways said: “National Highways does not recognise the £4m to £6m figure and is unaware of where this originated from.

“As the underpass design is being finalised, any figure at this time would be subject to change.

“However, any figure would simply be part of the overall £460m scheme cost.”

The company disputed the creation of a private tunnel to Mr Garlick’s home.

“This is not a ‘private tunnel’ for the property. It’s an underpass running under the main A417 that will support a public right of way and provide access for various other vehicles, including the telecoms company which needs access to masts, and for maintenance vehicles for drainage,” it said.

“The Development Consent Order sets out what National Highways will deliver as part of the scheme.

“The underpass was part of the original DCO and must meet design standards.

“The size of the underpass is being slightly redesigned due to the telecoms company.

“This is because the telecoms company initially required access for a 100-tonne crane, but smaller cranes will now suffice, therefore a smaller underpass is required.

“National Highways will not have dimensions until the final design is ready.”

The company said that both it and principal contractor Kier have been in regular contact with Mr Garlick, pre-agreeing any conditions under which he has vacated his home and ensuring that he has free access to it when requested.

“National Highways appreciates that any work, particularly on such a major project, can cause disruption and it does all it can to minimise that,” National Highways said.

“We have had lengthy discussions with Mr Garlick ahead of construction regarding any disruption to him and agreed on a way forward that worked for both parties during his absence from the property.

“National Highways will continue to do its best to address any concerns and to minimise any impacts to the community and residents from our work on the scheme.”