Key Environmental Features
- Gloucestershire Way Crossing:
- A 37-meter (121-foot) wildlife bridge, the largest of its kind in the UK upon completion in 2027.
- Features a 27-meter (89-foot) strip of chalky grassland and hedgerows to support biodiversity.
- Designed for walkers, horse riders, cyclists, and local wildlife.
- Wildlife Protections:
- A bat underpass and bird fencing to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions.
- Relocation of over 2,000 reptiles and 100 Roman snails to safer habitats.
- Reforestation and Habitats:
- Planting of more than 100,000 trees and creation of eight hectares of chalky grasslands to support native species.
Environmental Investment
A substantial £402 million will fund environmental schemes associated with the project, prioritizing efforts to "maximize biodiversity and ensure conservation."
A Model for Future Projects
Steve Foxley, project director at National Highways, highlighted the integration of environmental stewardship with infrastructure upgrades:
"This landscape-led scheme is a testament to how we can integrate world-class environmental practices alongside vital transport improvements. From wildlife crossings to new habitats, we've taken great care to ensure that our work respects and enhances the stunning Cotswold landscape."
The A417 Missing Link project sets a precedent for balancing development with environmental preservation, demonstrating how infrastructure can coexist with ecological conservation.