DRIVERS are set to see big changes on the A417 as the Missing Link project progresses.

The next major construction phase of the National Highways' £460 million scheme is due to commence in March and will see a new section of road be built from the Air Balloon roundabout near Birdlip.

More than 1million cubic metres of rock is due to be excavated and around 300,000 cubic metres of topsoil will also be removed to create 5.5km of new road over the next 18 months.

National Highways has already undertaken works to widen the lanes on the A417 leading up to the Air Balloon roundabout and a new temporary roundabout on the A436 has been installed.

Work on the new National Highways compound and car park area at Leckhampton Hill has also commenced.

As the project moves through 2024, new bridges and crossings will also be constructed including one in Gloucestershire Way, Cowley Overbridge and Cotswold Way.

Steve Foxley, A417 Missing Link Project Director, said: “The start of these works marks a significant milestone for this major scheme, which is incredibly important for Gloucestershire’s future and vital to unlocking the region.

“We are doing everything we can to minimise disruption to drivers and residents while we upgrade this vital junction, including installing new lanes for construction vehicles on the existing A417.

“The A417 is used by 40,000 of drivers every day and building the first section of new road ‘offline’ – away from the existing road - means that we will drastically reduce the level of disruption to users and ease their road experience throughout the build.” 

A series of public information events will be held throughout March and April so that members of the public can find out more about the scheme and upcoming works.

In addition, on Tuesday, March 19 residents will get the opportunity to visit the site and talk to different teams between 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm.

To find out more visit tinyurl.com/47e76vpp