Britain is embracing a bold and forward-thinking infrastructure project with the A417 Missing Link scheme, a £460 million road upgrade that is improving journeys while championing the environment and local communities near Gloucester.
At the heart of the project is the Gloucestershire Way wildlife bridge, set to be the largest wildlife crossing in the UK. This spectacular 37-metre-wide nature bridge will support a rich mix of native grassland, hedgerow and trees, allowing deer, reptiles, bats, barn owls and many other species to travel safely across the landscape without encountering busy traffic. It will also serve walkers, cyclists and horse riders, blending transport and nature in one innovative design.
Beyond this landmark crossing, the A417 Missing Link is transforming a previously congested three-mile single-lane section of road between the Brockworth bypass and Cowley Roundabout into a smooth, safer dual carriageway. This upgrade will cut delays, reduce accidents and improve connectivity between Gloucestershire and key routes to the Midlands, South West and beyond.
The project’s environmental commitment doesn’t stop at the wildlife bridge. Teams have been working with ecologists to safely relocate protected species, build bat underpasses, install bird-friendly fencing and plant over 100,000 new trees, enhancing local biodiversity and landscape resilience.
By combining smarter infrastructure with ambitious conservation, the A417 Missing Link shows how British engineering can deliver major benefits for both people and nature alike.
