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What's in this issue
Welcome to the August edition of our A417 Missing Link newsletter. In here you’ll find out more about what’s happening on the project including:
- Upcoming roadworks
- Other work happening in the area
- The Customer Hub
- Meet the team
- Prostate cancer awareness
- National Highways TRIP - summer campaign
Project update
You may have spotted the A417 Missing Link in the media over recent weeks as the scheme has featured on a number of radio stations and in multiple industry magazines.
New Civil Engineer featured a full overview of the project, while Ground Engineering reported on how the landscape-led scheme is taking innovative steps to overcoming geotechnical challenges. In addition, members of the project team were interviewed for BBC Gloucester as well as BBC’s ‘My Sounds’, talking about dry-stone walling on the scheme.
Work onsite continues at pace. We have further weekend closures planned towards the end of August and into September so that we can carry out essential surfacing works and begin construction of the new Cowley roundabout. More details below.
Please also remember that Barrow Wake viewpoint car park will remain closed until spring 2027. This is so that we can build a new dry-stone wall to stop glare from vehicle lights. We're also installing drainage tanks under the carriageway. Local businesses will remain open as normal.
Walking routes remain open
We do everything that we can to minimise disruption to the public during road closures. While public walkways are sometimes impacted, we do not officially close public rights of way in order to carry out our works. During upcoming closures, the Cotswold Way public right of way will remain open as usual, as will the routes along the A436 at Ullenwood Manor Road.
Month in pictures
Scroll down to see what we've been up to over the last month.
Dry Stone Wallers in action
Operatives on site during surfacing works
Operatives on site during surfacing works
Checking levels before applying sub base
Applying sub base to the new A417
Applying sub base to the new A417
Gloucestershire Way Crossing
Preparing to lift bridge beams for the Gloucestershire Way Crossing
Surveying Landlines
Core Highways setting up traffic management before a road closure
Upcoming roadworks
Full weekend closure planned in August
The A417 will be closed between the Air Balloon roundabout and the A429 Burford Road junction from 11pm on Friday 29 August to 6am on Monday 1 September.
Please always plan your journey in advance and check your route to avoid delays.
This closure is necessary to allow us to construct utility ducting, realign sections of the road, carry out essential surfacing works, and begin construction of the new Cowley roundabout.
Fully signposted diversion routes will be in place during the closure. Please follow the official diversion route and not satnavs, as these may not show the most appropriate routes during roadworks. Access for emergency services will be fully maintained during the closures.
Please note that these works are subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.
Caption: A map of the diversion route - click to view a larger version.
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.
Smiles all round at Customer Hub events
It was smiles all round at the end of July as we ran two public information events at our on-site Customer Hub. People arrived throughout the afternoon and evening, excited to see the works and speak to members of the team about how the project is progressing. Attendees were treated to a short presentation and then taken on a special tour of the viewing platform and works exclusion zone.
When asked to rate their experience using our new feedback monitor, we received top scores and positive feedback, including: “Excellent presentation”, “Great visit and informative”, and “Great project, great service”.
Our Customer Hub, located at the Crusher Compound at Shab Hill, continues to open every Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am until 2pm. You can visit us any time during these hours, without pre-booking an appointment.
Our address is: A417 Project Office, Birdlip, Gloucester, GL4 8JX.
You can also use What3words: ///shaped.quietest.payback
Directions can be found on our webpage at https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/south-west/a417-missing-link/
You must stick to the site speed limit of 10mph. Please reverse park.
This month we caught up with Works Manager, Paul Green.
What does your role involve?
My role involves working with people across the board, including contractors and supply chain, and working together which may involve problem solving and coming up with new ideas to keep our works to plan and programme. I was very humbled to win a Kier Star award this month for my work with the team and supporting them through changes on site. It came as a huge shock to win this, and I was so grateful to think that the team awarded this to me.
What is your main priority as we continue through the construction phase?
My main priority is working safely at all times. Ensuring that all my team go home safely, that our works do not impact the travelling public. Implementing the five Safety, Health and Environment basics on site and we are all keeping to programme and budgets.
What would your message be to road users who have been disrupted by temporary roadworks?
I understand that works have an impact on customers and the travelling public, and we work to minimise disruption in the long term, and to please bear with us, there will be benefits once the project is complete.
What does your team do to put the customer first?
All our teams work efficiently with the public in mind. We plan works properly and efficiently, and communicate as much as we can to our customers to give them time to plan journeys and make changes if needed.
Prostate cancer awareness
Did you know that prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in England, affecting one in eight men?
Leading the way in workplace wellbeing, the A417 Missing Link project organised site-wide stand-downs, bringing together Kier, National Highways, and the supply chain for an important prostate cancer awareness event. All male staff were offered PSA tests, receiving immediate results along with guidance and support for any necessary next steps or further testing.
The day was a resounding success, with more than 250 men gathering at the site compound for PSA testing and an important talk on prostate cancer, led by a survivor working on the A417 Missing Link project. He shared his powerful story of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, inspiring many with his resilience and message of hope. He was followed by Tony Collier, representing Prostate Cancer UK, who spoke about his experience as a stage four cancer survivor, eight years after his diagnosis.
Have a safe T.R.I.P. this summer
Whether it’s a family holiday, a spontaneous coastal drive, or a long journey to the airport, many of you will be gearing up for road trips this summer. Taking regular breaks is a crucial part of safe summer driving, yet almost three in 10 (29%) drivers don’t consider the need for rest stops when planning journeys.
As well as completing your necessary vehicle checks before setting off, taking the time to plan rest stops in advance can help you reach your destination safely and with minimal stress. By planning thoughtful stops along the way – whether at service stations, or at nearby cultural and heritage sites, you will help make the journey part of the adventure and ensure you are well rested.
By sticking to familiar or the ‘fastest’ routes, you could miss opportunities to rest, recharge and explore while making memories. From farm shops, play areas and scenic dog walking spots, check out our recommendations along popular routes by visiting https://nationalhighways.co.uk/road-safety/trip/
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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