Key route to close for weekend roadworks
EPADrivers face a weekend closure of a major route as roadworks continue.
The A417 will be closed in both directions between Shab Hill junction and the A429 Burford Road from 23:00 GMT until 06:00 on Monday.
National Highways said the closure was needed to complete work on the Missing Link project at Cowley junction and to open a northbound slip road. The work will allow drivers travelling north from Cirencester to leave the A417 at Cowley junction and continue towards Birdlip via the old A417.
A diversion route will be in place throughout the weekend, with motorists advised to follow road signs.
The disruption comes weeks after the new A417 route opened, allowing motorists to bypass the Air Balloon roundabout when travelling between Gloucester and Cirencester.
The old A417 route will remain in place until the new B4070 opens later this year, National Highways said.
The Missing Link scheme has been under construction since 2023 and is expected to be completed in 2027.
Senior project manager at National Highways Céline Acard said road closures were necessary to allow work to be carried out safely on and around the junction.
"We plan very well in advance to make sure that we impact as few people as possible", she said.
"We do appreciate that it's frustrating and we can only thank everybody for their patience while we carry out this essential work".
