Route for new Gloucestershire dual carriageway is announced to end problem of 'Missing Link' road

'The Missing Link' is known for heavy traffic and several accidents. Credit: ITV West Country

The route for a new stretch of dual carriageway on the A417 in the Gloucestershire, known as 'The Missing Link', has been announced by Highways England.

View the chosen option:

Improvements to the stretch of single carriageway on the A417, between Brockworth and Cowley, will see a new road built through Shab Hill.

A new 3.4-mile dual carriageway to this section of the A417 is hoped to improve journey times and safety on a road notorious for fatal accidents and heavy congestion.

The stretch also has two roundabouts which restrict traffic flow.

As part of the preferred route, announced on Thursday 14 March, Air Balloon Roundabout and Cowley Roundabout will be removed.

Highways England presented the public with two possible options in 2018 and nearly 2,000 people responded to the consultation.

Nearly three quarters of those backed the option selected by Highways England.

Discussions to find a solution to 'The Missing Link' have been underway for years.

The work was made possible by a £15 billion road investment programme by the Government and now depends on funding confirmation for the second Road Investment Strategy for the period between 2020 and 2025.

Highways England will now focus on a detailed design and ask the public for their thoughts later this year. A planning application will then be submitted.

For more details on the plans, visit the scheme page.