Press release

Consultation launches for A417 ‘Missing Link’ designs

Highways England opens a consultation on its updated designs for the ‘A417 Missing Link’ on Tuesday 13 October

A417 Cotswold Way crossing

A visual of the A417 Cotswold Way crossing which is among the proposals being consulted upon.

Highways England has today (Tuesday, 13 October) launched a consultation on its updated designs for the ‘A417 Missing Link’.

The planned upgrade of the A417, a key route linking the South West and Midlands, will see a single lane stretch of carriageway between the Brockworth bypass and Cowley roundabout in Gloucestershire, upgraded to dual carriageway, considerably benefitting road users, local communities and businesses.

Michael Goddard, Senior Project Manager for the A417 Missing Link scheme, said:

As a result of your feedback, we’ve made some improvements to our proposals which will benefit local connectivity, accessibility and reduce the scheme’s impact on communities, the environment, and the local landscape. As part of the planning process, we’re required to consult on our proposed design.

Transport Minister Baroness Vere said:

The proposed upgrades to the A417 will benefit all road users in Gloucestershire by boosting capacity, cutting congestion, and improving connectivity between local economies. Highways England is keen to hear residents’ feedback on the changes, and are committed to getting the project under way as swiftly as possible.

The supplementary statutory consultation runs from today (Tuesday, 13 October) to Thursday, 12 November with feedback helping Highways England develop its application for a Development Consent Order to be submitted early next year.

One of the best ways to find out more about our proposals and have your say is to visit our online exhibition. You can access this via our A417 Missing Link web page – there are dedicated times when you can chat with members of the project team who’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

If you do not have access to the internet or experience problems downloading the consultation materials, Highways England can send free of charge one printed copy of documents including the consultation booklet, feedback questionnaire, and a Freepost return envelope to your home, which are available on request by calling 0300 123 5000 or emailing A417MissingLinkatAirBalloon@highwaysengland.co.uk.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

Updates to this page

Published 13 October 2020