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What's in this issue
Welcome to the January edition of our A417 Missing Link newsletter. In here you’ll find out more about what’s happening on the project including:
- Other work happening in the area
- Keeping our customers informed
- National Highways TRIP campaign
Project update
Our recent overnight closures from the A46 Brockworth junction to the Air Balloon roundabout saw the introduction of the new 40mph speed limit and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (APNR) cameras in place. Sheet piling commenced at this location at the end of January which will continue for three weeks.
On 27 January, the first pair of bridge beams arrived on site, each measuring 30 metres in length. This was a major milestone for the scheme and especially for our environmental bridge, the Gloucestershire Way Crossing, as it starts to rise from the ground.
Work is taking place on the mini roundabouts adjacent to the Air Balloon roundabout and you will see a difference as you drive the route, especially if you’re heading to the A436.
Caption: Lorry delivering bridge beams for the Gloucestershire Way Crossing.
Month in pictures
Caption: Aerial view of the work taking place at Alexander and Angel
Caption: Pile cropping at Stockwell
Caption: The central piers at the Gloucestershire Way Crossing bowl
Caption: Aerial view of work taking place at Stockwell
Roadworks
Overnight closures of the A436
The A436 will be closed between the Air Balloon roundabout and the Seven Springs roundabout overnight on the following dates:
• 9pm on Thursday 6 February to 6am on Friday 7 February
• 9pm on Friday 7 February to 6am on Saturday 8 February
Due to recent weather conditions, we will be bringing forward our work to install permanent drainage in this area to prevent flooding. We apologise for the short notice of this closure caused by the change in schedule.
Weekend closures of the A417
The A417 will be closed between the A46 Brockworth junction and the Air Balloon roundabout for two full weekends between the following dates:
- Weekend One: 11pm on Friday 21 February to 6am on Monday 24 February
- Weekend Two: 11pm on Friday 7 March to 6am on Monday 10 March
We will be working at this location to install drainage and utilities. Work will continue throughout the day and night to ensure the closure is removed as quickly as possible.
Fully signposted diversion routes will be in place during the above closures. Please follow the official diversion routes and not your satnav.
Access for residents with permits and emergency services will be fully maintained during the closures. Businesses will be open as usual.
If you have any questions, or you would like to speak to someone about this work, you can call our contact centre on 0300 123 5000.
Other work happening in the area
Where to find more information
All roadworks and planned road closures on motorways and major A roads, including the A417, are published on the Traffic England website.
We also publish a Road Closure Report that includes a seven day look ahead of planned road closures. This is updated twice a day, Monday to Friday except for bank holidays.
You can also find the latest information about local road closures managed by Gloucestershire County Council, on its webpage.
Delivering great customer service
New Customer Hub opening soon
In the first week of February, we’ll be opening our new Customer Hub at the crusher compound at Shab Hill.
The centre will be open every Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am until 2pm. You can visit us any time during these hours, without pre-booking an appointment. Members of our team will be on hand to tell you more about the scheme and answer any questions that you may have.
Our address is A417 Project Office, Birdlip, Gloucester, GL4 8JX.
To reach the Site from the A417, take the B4070 (signposted ‘Stroud’ and ‘Birdlip’). After approximately 150 metres take the unclassified road to the Barrow Wake viewpoint and car park, turning right to pass back under the A417, continuing straight on for a further half mile to Acorn House (formally, McCarthy-Taylor Systems), which will be on your right.
You can also use What3words: ///shaped.quietest.payback
Please do not stop at Acorn House. Go through the traffic lights and take an immediate left to our site compound. A gates person will be at the entrance to advise you if needed.
Site restrictions must be adhered to, which is 10mph. Please Reverse Park.
January Public Information Events
We kicked off January with more public information events, which we held onsite at our crusher compound. Thank you to everyone who came to speak to us. We are now starting to take bookings for group site visits from April. These were very popular last year, and we strongly urge you to contact the team to book in your group to avoid disappointment. We look forward to meeting you.
Caption: Members of the public at a recent information event.
A417 road safety improvements
Did you know that in Spring 2024, National Highways delivered a number of safety enhancements on the A417 between Nettleton and Birdlip Hill?
These improvements included 600 new studs to improve visibility, helping drivers better see the road layout. In addition to safety, the road studs significantly reduce environmental impact as solar energy is used to power the studs. We’ve also replaced the dashed centre line with a double solid white line to help discourage overtaking, reinforcing the rules of the Highway Code.
To see how the road looks now, watch this short video.
Have a safe T.R.I.P. this winter
By checking your vehicle, staying weather-aware, and prioritising driver well-being, you contribute to a safer and more enjoyable travel experience for you, your passengers and everyone using the road.
Packing the right essentials and driving cautiously in poor weather can make all the difference. So, if you’re planning to use the roads, check the weather forecast before you travel. Check your vehicle and plan ahead, packing a winter travel kit including de-icer, an ice scraper, warm clothing, boots, food, water, a torch, and a snow shovel.
Before setting off:
- check road conditions and identify potential disruptions
- have alternative travel routes in mind to reduce stress if weather worsens
- check the weather forecast before travelling
- if heavy downpours, strong winds, snow or ice are expected, consider delaying your journey until it clears
Use our T.R.I.P. guidance to get winter ready:
- Top-up: Fuel, oil, and screen wash
- Rest: Plan regular stops every two hours to avoid driver fatigue
- Inspect: Check tyre pressure and tread
- Prepare: Have a plan for severe weather conditions
Contact us
You can keep up to date with the latest scheme news by visiting our website, emailing or phoning us, or following us on X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook -
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