Motorists will be able to use the new permanent layout later this month
Work on the A417(Image: National Highways)
Drivers are being warned that a major A-road is to be closed in both directions this month as work continues on an upgrade scheme.
The A417 Missing Link project is preparing to carry out a traffic switch that will allow drivers to travel on the new permanent layout of the road between Gloucester and Cirencester.
The road upgrade, which is being delivered by National Highways and contractor Kier, is aiming 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.
To complete the switch, the A417 will be closed in both directions between the A46 Brockworth Junction and the Air Balloon roundabout from 11pm on Friday, September 11, to 6am on Monday, September 14.
It will also be shutting (overnight only) from Monday, September 14, to Friday, September 18, between 9pm and 6am.
National Highways is expecting the new stretch of layout to open permanently next Friday (September 18) “weather permitting”. It will mean motorists will be able to travel along the length of the A417 between Gloucester and Cirencester without having to negotiate a roundabout.
The latest works are expected to cause delays in the area and some noise, National Highways has warned. But the body for England’s roads said access for emergency services would be maintained and diversion signs would be in place during all closures.
Celine Acard of National Highways said: “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.”
What will happen after A417 switch?
The latest switch will see the A417 open to traffic in its permanent layout under traffic management, allowing northbound journeys from Cirencester to continue directly towards Gloucester without exiting at Shab Hill junction.
Traffic travelling from Gloucester will continue up the hill and straight ahead towards Cirencester on the new A417, following the removal of the Air Balloon roundabout.
The new B4070 leading to Birdlip and the northbound slip road at Cowley junction will open later this year. Access to Birdlip will remain via the existing route through Cowley junction.
This will be a significant change for traffic travelling to Gloucester, from Cheltenham via Leckhampton Hill or from Oxford via Seven Springs and the A436.
There will be no direct route from Cheltenham and Oxford to Gloucester. Traffic will use the new A436 to reach Shab Hill junction, where it can either continue ahead towards Cirencester or use the underpass to access the southbound slip road towards Gloucester.
Single-lane traffic management will remain on the route until further works are completed and additional capacity is added.
Fully signposted diversion routes will be in place during the closure.
Gavin Jones, Kier project director, added: “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.”
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