Summary
The A417 Missing Link scheme will reach a significant milestone this month, with a traffic switch enabling drivers to travel on the new permanent layout of the road between Gloucester and Cirencester.
Details
Gavin Jones, Kier project director , said: “The A417 Missing Link project has now reached the point that the ‘missing’ can be consigned to history.” 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, September 11 to 6am Monday, September 14 – 9pm Monday, September 14 to 6am Friday, September 18 (overnight closures only) Weather permitting, drivers will be using the new permanent A417 layout from next Friday (September 18), travelling along the length of the A417 between Gloucester and Cirencester without having to negotiate a roundabout These activities may generate some noise while work is carried out.
Access for emergency services will be maintained throughout. Fully signed diversion routes will be in place during all closures. Drivers should follow the official diversion routes rather than sat navs.
The road upgrade, which is being delivered by National Highways together with its main contractor Kier, will ultimately provide a new dual carriageway to improve the connection between the two dual carriageway sections of the A417 at Brockworth and Cowley, and a vital link between the M4 and M5.
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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, 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 continued: “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.
“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.
Report source: Punchline Gloucester
