The construction of Kier’s £500M A417 ‘Missing Link’ project is making significant headway as it enters its second year, promising enhanced connectivity between Gloucester and Swindon.
- In 2023, Kier began work on a project to dual a 5.5km section at Brockley and Cowley, with substantial progress over recent months.
- Foundation and concrete work at Shab Hill, along with extensive earth moving, reflects rapid advancement on this essential infrastructure project.
- The development includes new junctions and repurposed roads, creating pathways for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders.
- Efforts towards archaeological preservation and carbon reduction technologies are notable aspects of this project’s innovative approach.
Commencing in 2023, Kier’s ambitious £500M project aims to dual a crucial 5.5km section of the A417, linking Gloucester with Swindon. This initiative promises to improve connectivity between the dual carriageway sections at Brockley and Cowley and enhance the route joining the M4 and M5 motorways. Significant progress has been marked by foundational work, including 25m deep foundations and a 360m3 concrete pour at Shab Hill, preparing for the Gloucestershire Way crossing.
The project has also seen infrastructure advancements at crucial points like Stockwell Lane where piling is underway. A contraflow system has been installed at the previous Cowley roundabout site, while Stockwell Lane has been closed to accommodate the construction of the new road and bridge.
Earthworks have advanced impressively with a staggering 428,846m3 of earth moved, accounting for nearly half of the targeted volume. Alongside this, 26 of 27 archaeological sites have been meticulously excavated, underscoring the project’s commitment to cultural preservation.
New junctions at Shab Hill and near Cowley are pivotal, providing improved links and replacing existing structures. The old A417 between the Air Balloon and Cowley roundabouts will be partly converted into pathways, further enriching community access to outdoor spaces.
Ongoing milestones include the completion of structural tasks like a temporary tractor crossing and a Stockwell overbridge. Further, a sustainable biochar trial is poised to start, transforming 200t of wood chip into carbon-reducing biochar, aligning with net-zero aspirations.
The A417 ‘Missing Link’ scheme represents a forward-thinking initiative that marries infrastructure improvement with sustainability and community enhancement.
