Kier and its partner contractor Volker Fitzpatrick will now start preparatory work with construction starting in the first quarter of 2023 on 4 miles of new dual carriageway.
The scheme will improve the connection between two dual carriageway sections of the A417 at Brockworth and Cowley, and links between the M4 and M5.
Billed as a landscape-led scheme at every stage, design decisions have been made with the special landscape in mind.
As part of this scheme, National Highways is proposing to plant lots of new, native and high-quality woodland, grassland, trees and hedgerows to help preserve and create additional habitats for local wildlife in the area.
The job includes 2 miles of new drystone walls and planting 6 miles of hedgerows.
Paul Baker, Programme Director – UK South for Kier Highways, said: “We will work together to build a landscape-led design that will enhance the strategic network whilst preserving this special AONB for the local community.”
Details of A417 scheme
Work includes:
• a new junction at Ullenwood, connecting the A417 to the A436 and Leckhampton Hill;
• a new junction with slip roads at Shab Hill;
• a new junction at the Cowley roundabout;
• diversion of the Cotswold Way National Trail via a new overbridge;
• diversion of the Gloucestershire Way long distance footpath via a new wildlife crossing bridge;
• construction of overbridges at Cowley and Stockwell; and • various landscape, temporary construction and access works.
National Highways’ chief executive Nick Harris said: “This is a significant investment of £460m in our road network that will improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion and improve connectivity for road users and local communities.
“We are designing the scheme to fit sympathetically within the landscape, providing the opportunity to link habitats and support environmental sustainability, while unlocking economic growth in Gloucestershire and beyond.”
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