Mark Harper visits A417 scheme in Gloucestershire
The Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper was welcomed on to the site today.
Last updated 27th Oct 2023
National Highways welcomes Secretary of State on site visit to celebrate next phase of major A417 scheme.
As National Highways enters the next phase of construction on one of Gloucestershire’s busiest links – the Secretary of State for Transport and Forest of Dean MP Mark Harper was welcomed onto site today for a tour of the scheme and to celebrate progress so far.
The landscape-led scheme is on its way to delivering a safe and resilient free-flowing road while conserving and enhancing the special character of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
The scheme will improve the connection between two dual carriageway sections of the A417 at Brockworth and Cowley, and links between the M4 and M5.
Upgrading this section of the A417 to dual carriageway, in a way that is sensitive to the surrounding Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, will help unlock Gloucestershire’s potential for growth, support regional plans for more homes and jobs and improve life in local communities.
Having progressed preliminary construction works, including archaeology and biodiversity enhancements, the scheme will now look to the next stage of enabling works, that will see the A417 at Crickley Hill widened and a new site access works on the A436.
Once completed, the scheme will then move to main construction in early 2024, which will see a new section of road built away from the current road, and earthworks at Ullenwood and Shab Hill junctions.
National Highways’ Chief Executive Nick Harris said: “The A417 Missing Link is one of the busiest roads in the country and experiences congestion and delays on a regular basis.
“This major upgrade, which is vital for local communities and the regional South West economy, is a significant investment of £460m in our road network that will improve safety, reduce traffic congestion and improve connectivity for road users and local communities.
“It was a pleasure to welcome the Secretary of State to site so that he could see the great work we’re doing to improve this stretch of road as it moves to its next stage.
“I’m sure having seen the works first-hand, he shares my confidence in the benefits this improvement is bringing to people and businesses.”
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “After many years of campaigning by Gloucestershire MPs, it is fantastic to see work on the A417 progressing, backed by significant Government funding.
“This road is currently one of the most congested across Gloucestershire, and it was great to see first-hand how this Government’s investment will directly benefit the region – this project will reduce congestion, improve safety and have significant economic benefits, all while conserving the surrounding landscape.
“We have in the last month published our long-term plan to back drivers and put the brakes on anti-car measures – the Government getting on with road schemes like the A417 is one of the many long-term decisions we are taking to keep this country moving.”