A417 ‘Missing Link’ scheme receives a boost from Government

The upgrading of the A417 'missing link' has received a massive boost with support from both the HM Treasury and the Department for Transport.

The road, which is used by more than 34,000 vehicles a day, is a key link between the West Midlands and London and is known for having long journey delays.

Highways England has been looking at several different routes to solve the problem and in March this year they led a consultation with 'route option 30' being their preferred solution.

Now Highways England has said that the project has become a 'Tier 1' scheme which means that the Department for Transport and HM Treasury are now directly involved with the governance and oversight of the scheme.

Councillor Jeremy Hilton, leader of Gloucester City Liberal Democrats, said: "It is great news that the government has made the upgrading of the A417 'missing link' a tier one project.

"This stretch of road by the Air Balloon Pub provides the major highway link between Gloucester and the south and south east of England, including the most direct route to London.

"It is congested and hazardous. I can only encourage Highways England to progress the project as swiftly as possible.

"The proposed new dual carriageway will improve journey times and make the road safer."