Pilot’s Eye View: A417 Missing Link Construction at Birdlip

Following the success of my short video on Facebook showcasing the A417 Missing Link at Birdlip, Gloucester—which has now surpassed 374,000 views—I decided to take to the skies again in G-BBXW, a PA28-151. It was around 5pm, with favourable flying conditions and clear weather. The A417 Missing Link is a transformative infrastructure project in Gloucestershire, aimed at replacing a three-mile stretch of single carriageway with a new dual carriageway. Designed to enhance safety, ease congestion, and create a continuous dual carriageway between Brockworth and Cowley, the scheme carries a price tag of approximately £460 million. Among its standout features is a substantial "green bridge" to support cyclists, pedestrians, and wildlife. Construction is underway, with completion anticipated in 2027.