DCO decision

Moving forward

The go-ahead has been given for a major upgrade to the ‘missing link’ section of the A417 road between Gloucester and Swindon – helping to boost the regional economy and transform journeys for millions of people.

Transport  Minister Huw Merriman gave the long-awaited decision on 16 Nov 2022 for the  landscape-led highways scheme that will ‘deliver a safe and resilient free-flowing road while conserving and enhancing the special character  of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).’

Welcoming the news, National Highways said 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.

Paul Baker,  Programme Director – UK South for Kier Highways, said: “Kier Highways is  proud to be working in conjunction with National Highways on this notable scheme – the A417 Missing Link, which is a crucial connection  between the M5 and Swindon.  We will work together to build a landscape-led design that will enhance the strategic  network whilst preserving this special AONB for the local community.

“We will work closely with our stakeholders and customers to minimise disruption and  stay connected throughout to provide reassurance of our commitment to you until this major project is concluded.”

“Our aim is to improve this section of the A417 with a scheme that includes:  

• 4 miles of new dual carriageway connecting the existing A417 Brockworth bypass with the existing A417 dual carriageway south of Cowley

• the section to the west of the existing Air Balloon roundabout would follow the existing A417 corridor. However, the section to the south and east of the Air Balloon roundabout would be offline, away from the existing road corridor

• a new junction at Shab Hill, providing a link from the A417 to the A436 towards Oxford and into Birdlip

• a new junction would be included near Cowley, replacing the existing Cowley roundabout

• the existing A417 between the Air Balloon roundabout and the Cowley roundabout would be repurposed. We would convert some lengths of this existing road into a route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, while retaining other sections to maintain local access for residents.

For more information, please refer to the following documents:

Development Consent Order (DCO) Decision Letter

Public Consultation