Highways England has launched a consultation over plans to upgrade the A417 near Birdlip in Gloucestershire.

The scheme involves upgrading a three-mile stretch of single carriageway road at Air Balloon roundabout between the Brockworth bypass and Cowley roundabout, helping to boost future growth and secure opportunities for housing and jobs.

Two options have been developed via a detailed consideration of potential routes to upgrade this route, which is known locally as the 'missing link'. The upgrade is being funded by the Government's £15billion investment in motorways and major A roads.

-- Advertisement --

Highways England said the A417/A419 route passes through the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and so any solution will be designed sensitively to meet the special character of the landscape, environment and history.

Project manager Mike Goddard said: "This is your opportunity to get involved in developing the right solution for this well-known Gloucestershire traffic hotspot. We urge everyone to tell us what they think of the two proposals so we can deliver a scheme that will support growth and prosperity.

"Improving this missing link will be a benefit to local residents, users of this important route, and those accessing the walking routes of the Cotswold Way and the Gloucestershire Way. Reducing unpredictable delays will encourage motorists to stay on the A417 with reduced journey times, leaving local roads less congested."

The consultation closes on 29 March. For further details and to submit views over the proposals, visit the consultation page here.

(LM/MH)