Home » United Kingdom Travel News » United Kingdom Sets New Standard with Ambitious £ Five Hundred Million A417 Missing Link Project Revolutionizing Connectivity, Cutting Congestion, and Championing Environmental Sustainability
Published on
September 20, 2025
The United Kingdom is embarking on a transformative journey with the ambitious £500 million A417 Missing Link project, which promises to revolutionize connectivity, reduce congestion, and champion environmental sustainability. This critical infrastructure development is set to upgrade a key stretch of road between Brockworth and Cowley in Gloucestershire, improving traffic flow between the M5 and M4 motorways while enhancing safety for both local commuters and long-distance travelers. By expanding the road to a dual carriageway, the project aims to alleviate long-standing issues of congestion and accidents caused by poor visibility. At the same time, the project is committed to preserving the natural beauty of the Cotswolds, incorporating innovative environmental measures such as green bridges, wildlife underpasses, and the creation of new habitats. The initiative demonstrates the UK’s commitment to modernizing transport while balancing the need for growth with environmental stewardship.
The £500 million A417 Missing Link project is transforming a crucial section of road between Brockworth and Cowley in Gloucestershire. This ambitious development aims to improve the flow of traffic, enhance safety, and protect the local environment. Over three miles of dual carriageway are being upgraded, creating a seamless, continuous route that will connect the M5 motorway at Gloucester to the M4 motorway via the A419. The scheme, being carried out in partnership with contractor Kier, involves complex construction work, including the installation of large bridge beams that are vital to the new infrastructure.
One of the primary goals of the project is to alleviate traffic congestion, which has long been a problem in this area. The existing section of the A417, a single-lane carriageway, often experiences delays and accidents due to heavy traffic and poor visibility. By upgrading this stretch to a dual-carriageway, National Highways hopes to reduce these issues and improve safety for all road users. The new road will increase capacity and provide a smoother and safer journey for commuters, freight vehicles, and local traffic alike.
This upgrade also addresses a long-standing need for improved connectivity between two key sections of the A417. Once complete, drivers will be able to travel effortlessly between Gloucester and Swindon, connecting the M5 and M4 motorways in a more efficient and safe manner. This vital road link supports not only local traffic but also broader travel between the Midlands, the South, and the rest of the country, making it a critical artery for regional and national transport.
The environmental considerations of the A417 Missing Link project are also significant. The development incorporates numerous measures to protect the natural landscape and wildlife. One of the most notable features of the scheme is the UK’s largest green bridge, which will allow wildlife, cyclists, and walkers to safely cross the new road. This innovative structure, designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings, is just one of many initiatives aimed at preserving the Cotswolds’ unique ecology.
To further enhance biodiversity, the project includes the construction of bespoke underpasses to provide safe passage for local wildlife. These underpasses will enable animals to cross from one side of the road to the other without coming into contact with traffic. The effort to relocate and protect wildlife during construction has been extensive. For example, earlier stages of the project involved translocating over 2,000 reptiles and more than 100 Roman snails, which were carefully moved to reduce disruption to local fauna.
The construction team is also focused on promoting sustainable practices. As part of the project, engineers have created a new watercourse to replace existing culverts, helping to manage water runoff more naturally. This stream will be designed to meander through the landscape, providing additional habitats for wildlife and supporting the overall health of the environment. In addition, the site is serving as a testing ground for an innovative technology aimed at removing microplastics from wastewater runoff, further contributing to the project’s environmental goals.
The green bridge, which is the largest of the new structures, will be 37 meters wide and feature a variety of native plants. Species-rich grassland, native hedgerows, and trees will be planted along crossings and nearby byways, creating new green corridors for wildlife. This approach not only ensures the protection of local species but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the new road, blending the infrastructure with the surrounding countryside.
Beyond its environmental focus, the A417 Missing Link project has provided valuable insights into the region’s history. During the preparatory works, significant archaeological findings have been uncovered, revealing numerous historical artifacts. These discoveries shed light on the area’s past and contribute to a deeper understanding of its cultural heritage. Excavations and studies have been carefully managed to ensure that the construction work does not disturb these valuable historical resources.
The scale of the construction is impressive, and earlier this year, dramatic drone images revealed the vastness of the site and the scope of the work being undertaken. One of the most striking aspects of the project is the Shab Valley underbridge, which will sit beneath nine lines of carriageway. The bridge is part of a wider network of new infrastructure designed to support the increased traffic flow and improve safety.
Conservation efforts are also a key part of the project. In addition to the relocation of reptiles and snails, other measures have been put in place to protect local bird species. For example, bat boxes and bird fencing are being installed to provide safe nesting opportunities and prevent animals from coming into contact with the road.
The United Kingdom’s £500 million A417 Missing Link project is set to revolutionize connectivity, reduce congestion, and enhance safety, while prioritizing environmental sustainability through innovative measures like green bridges and wildlife protection. This major upgrade will transform a critical road section, improving traffic flow between the M5 and M4 motorways and preserving the Cotswolds’ natural beauty.
The A417 Missing Link project is a significant undertaking that will improve transportation between two of the UK’s major motorways. By upgrading this vital section of road, National Highways and Kier aim to reduce congestion, enhance safety, and protect the natural environment. With a focus on sustainability, biodiversity, and historical preservation, the scheme represents a balanced approach to infrastructure development, ensuring that the needs of both the present and future are met. The project, which began in 2023, is expected to be completed by 2027, and when finished, it will provide a safer, more efficient route for travelers while preserving the beauty of the Cotswolds landscape.
