A SECTION of a key road in Gloucestershire will be closed this evening amid work on the A417 Missing Link.

National Highways said that the A417 between the Air Balloon Roundabout and the A429 Burford Road junction will be closed from 9pm to 6am tomorrow morning.

There will subsequently be a full weekend closure from 9pm on Friday, June 28 to 6am on Monday, July 1.

This is so National Highways can install a contraflow system at Cowley Roundabout in Nettleton Bottom. Northbound traffic should follow the diversion via the A436, A40 and A429, while southbound traffic should follow the same route in reverse.

Access for residents and emergency vehicles will be in place.

The contraflow system will be in place on the A417 at Cowley Roundabout from Monday, July 1.

This is so National Highways can start to prepare to build Cowley junction, where the new section of the A417 will tie into the existing carriageway.

The road will look different, with traffic reduced to a single lane in both directions and a temporary speed limit of 40mph.

Cowley Roundabout will no longer be in use and traffic travelling south will not be able to exit towards Brimpsfield at this location.

Stockwell Lane will also be closed for approximately 18 months from Monday, July 1.

It will not be accessible during this time.

This is to prepare for building of the new road and bridge construction at this location.

National Highways said that the A417 Missing Link highways scheme will improve the link between two dual carriageway sections of the A417 at Brockworth and Cowley.

It added that the scheme will deliver a safe and resilient free-flowing road while conserving and enhancing the special character of the Cotswolds AONB.

You can find out more about the contraflow at tinyurl.com/kt3mnxv9