Transport secretary Mark Harper visits A417 improvement scheme

The plans include a 37m (121ft 3in) wide crossing for walkers using the Gloucestershire Way

The Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper, has visited a project which aims to improve one of the busiest roads in the country.

The A417 near Gloucester is known as a notorious traffic bottleneck and accident blackspot.

A £460m road improvement scheme to create a dual carriageway between Cheltenham and Swindon is due to begin in the next few months.

The scheme will bypass the Air Balloon roundabout to help reduce delays.

National Highways says the work will improve journey times for people using the A417 around Brockworth and Cowley, as well as links with the M4 and M5.

The stretch of the A417 near Gloucester carries about 40,000 cars a day and congestion is frequent.

MP Mark Harper visited the site on Friday

Mr Harper, who is Forest of Dean MP, said he was aware of many accidents on the road and had seen some himself.

"I have used this road daily. I have sat in the traffic daily," he said.

"I have tragically seen accidents and people being impacted by that and I have seen numerous heavy goods vehicles breaking down on that very severe gradient," added Mr Harper.

Preliminary construction work, including archaeological digs, has started and the next stage will see the A417 widened at Crickley Hill and a new site access works created on the A436.

National Highways' Nick Harris says the scheme will improve safety and reduce congestion

National Highways' chief executive Nick Harris said:  "The A417 Missing Link is one of the busiest roads in the country and experiences congestion and delays on a regular basis.

"This major upgrade, which is vital for local communities and the regional South West economy, is a significant investment of £460m in our road network that will improve safety, reduce traffic congestion and improve connectivity for road users and local communities."

Main construction work is due to start in early 2024, with a view to completing the project in 2027.

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