Bauer Technologies has commenced a significant £3.8m piling subcontract for the A417 Missing Link project, essential for future infrastructure development in Gloucestershire.
- The project entails dual carriageway enhancements between the Brockworth Bypass and Cowley Roundabout, improving a vital route in a sensitive area.
- Bauer’s role focuses on establishing robust foundations for key structures such as overbridges and junctions, indicating their pivotal involvement in the scheme.
- Progress includes over 200 piles installed at varying depths, with completion of this phase expected by November 2024.
- The overarching £460m initiative aims for final completion by 2027, marking a major milestone in regional connectivity and environmental consideration.
Bauer Technologies has been awarded a £3.8m subcontract by Kier Transportation, as part of the ambitious A417 Missing Link road project in Gloucestershire. This project, which involves the comprehensive upgrading of a 3.4-mile single-lane carriageway to a dual carriageway, is a critical enhancement for connecting the Brockworth Bypass to the Cowley Roundabout. The scheme not only aims to improve traffic flow but also addresses the infrastructural needs amidst an area of outstanding natural beauty, underscoring the balance between development and environmental stewardship.
Bauer is tasked with constructing the foundations for several significant structures, including the Gloucestershire Way Crossing, Stockwell Overbridge, Cowley Overbridge, and the Shab Hill Junction. This task involves the installation of 205 piles, varying in diameter and reaching depths of up to 28 metres below ground. Such extensive groundwork is crucial for ensuring the stability and longevity of the new structures that will support enhanced traffic capacity and safety.
The initiation of Bauer’s contract last month signifies a substantial step forward in the project timeline, with this specific phase expected to reach completion by November 2024. This progress forms part of a larger £460m investment into the region’s transport infrastructure, poised to significantly enhance connectivity across Gloucestershire by 2027.
New junctions at Shab Hill and near Cowley are designed to improve access to the A436 towards Oxford and reduce congestion through Birdlip, a critical consideration given the area’s designation as a site of special scientific interest. The inclusion of these elements highlights the project’s commitment to modernising transport routes while respecting the environmental and cultural significance of the region.
Kier’s comprehensive team, comprising contributors such as Volker, Arup, Tony Gee, and RPS, illustrates the multifaceted approach required to manage such a complex and sensitive project. Their collaboration with Bauer Technologies underscores the high level of expertise employed to achieve the ambitious targets set for this essential infrastructure upgrade.
The A417 Missing Link project exemplifies strategic infrastructure development, balancing modernisation with environmental respect, and remains on track for completion by 2027.
