A417 Missing Link: Photos show progress at start of year two

These pictures, released by National Highways, provide an aerial view of the development between Brockworth and Cowley which will be used by motorists wanting to join the M5.

In the past six weeks, considerable strides have been made on the project.

This include the completion of 25-metre-deep foundations at Shab Hill in preparation for Gloucestershire Way crossing, piling beginning at Stockwell Lane in preparation for the start of structure construction, and the continued monitoring of wildlife such as bats, birds, reptiles and badgers confirming an earlier translocation exercise was a success.

The concrete pour at Shab Hill in preparation for the Gloucestershire Way Crossing (Image: National Highways)

A total of 428,846 cubic metres of earth have been moved, almost half of the total needed for construction.

Steve Foxley, A417 project director for National Highways, said: "The A417 Missing Link is a vital scheme for the South West and we have pushed ahead on this much-needed scheme.

"We’re delighted to have made so much progress, so quickly on the scheme and we can’t wait to see customers get the full benefit this vital upgrade.

"The upgrade will mean smoother, safer and more reliable journeys for drivers and we will build on the progress already made to deliver this new stretch of road as soon as we can."

The project intends to tackle congestion, improve safety and help support increased economic prosperity in Gloucestershire and the South West.

A view of Shab Hill towards Stockwell (Image: National Highways)

Work expected to be carried out in the coming months includes a new temporary tractor crossing, work on the Stockwell overbridge, continued construction of new drystone walling, and ongoing archaeological explorations.

A biochar trial will also begin to convert 200 tonnes of site wood chip into biochar, reducing the project's carbon footprint.

At Barrow Wake the project will commence building a new dry-stone wall and install new drainage.

A view of the Norman Brook temporary diversion as the scheme installs vertical drainage and bat and barn owl fencing (Image: National Highways)

To allow the team to complete the work safely, Barrow Wake viewpoint car park was closed on July 22, and will remain closed until March 2025, but local businesses will remain open as normal.

Road excavations, drainage and a new entrance to Crickley Hill will take place as Leckhampton Hill closes for 10 weeks from August 5 to September 22.

Access to Crickley Hill Country Park will remain open at all times, and National Star College will be open as usual.

During these closures, visitors can access the college via the approved diversion route.