A417 Missing Link (Air Balloon improvement)
Gloucestershire, UK · 2022–2027 (estimated completion) · £460 million
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe project aims to improve safety and reduce congestion by removing the single carriageway section and the Air Balloon roundabout. - Extensive public consultation and environmental assessments were undertaken due to the sensitive location. - Archaeological investigations are a significant part of the early works. - The project involves complex traffic management strategies during construction to maintain flow on existing routes.
Key engineering challenges
Addressing a notorious bottleneck and accident blackspot on the A417. - Constructing a new dual carriageway through a sensitive landscape, including the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. - Managing complex earthworks and drainage in challenging terrain. - Minimizing environmental impact and protecting local wildlife.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- National Highways
- Lead contractor
- Kier
- Lead designers
- N/A (Further research needed if not found)
- Project type
- upgrade
- Scale
- Approximately 3.4 miles (5.5 km) of new dual carriageway; new junction at Shab Hill; removal of Air Balloon roundabout.
- Disciplines
- civil; structural; geotechnical; environmental; archaeological
- Standards & frameworks
- DMRB; CDM Regulations
Sources: National Highways (https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/south-west/a417-missing-link/) - Kier (https://www.kier.co.uk/discover-our-projects/a417-missing-link/) - BBC News (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g0p0d6dneo)