A417 Missing Link campaign!

[IAN]

The Air Balloon at the top of Birdlip Hill will close for the last time on New Year's Eve - as a landmark, it'll be familiar to many drivers although I used to go up/down the original hill as it seemed quicker if using the A417.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-g ... e-64074950

At time of writing the pub closure was the second most-read story on the BBC news website. That'll make it even more embarrassing if the scheme is cancelled at the last minute!

[Truvelo]

The Air Balloon at the top of Birdlip Hill will close for the last time on New Year's Eve - as a landmark, it'll be familiar to many drivers although I used to go up/down the original hill as it seemed quicker if using the A417.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-g ... e-64074950

At time of writing the pub closure was the second most-read story on the BBC news website. That'll make it even more embarrassing if the scheme is cancelled at the last minute!

If it does get cancelled then surely the pub may survive even if plans have already been made for demolition.

[SteveA30]

The Air Balloon was one of those places on my hit list that I never went to because I was always on my way to or from somewhere else when passing it. I realised that I would have to make it the destination so, on Oct 20 2017, the box was ticked.

[Big L]

Enter that middle picture into the next photo of the month please !!

[SteveA30]

I'll leave the cash in an envelope behind the telly.........

[SteveA30]

3 more for the Air Balloon.

Why couldn't the tunnel have been slightly further west?

[Truvelo]

Those comments on the first bunch of photos are a classic Steve. I can imagine it's only the likes of Sabristi who would appreciate enjoying a pint with wagons rattling by.

[NICK 647063]

Those comments on the first bunch of photos are a classic Steve. I can imagine it's only the likes of Sabristi who would appreciate enjoying a pint with wagons rattling by.

I’m the same I have literally got to live next to a busy road otherwise I can’t sleep, weird I know….. I currently live next to the A1 at Skellow with trucks thundering past and never felt so relaxed.

Back on topic I’m surprised the Air Balloon didn’t have to be taken apart and rebuilt nearby, it’s been done before with buildings and could have been included in the scheme budget….

Anyway when the missing link is complete do we have any plans for a new number, it’s one route but 2 different roads A419 and A417 surely deserves a 2 digit number!

[SteveA30]

I'm glad the humour is appreciated Truvelo. My favourite MSA's are either over the motorway like Leicester Forest East or alongside, like Medway (Farthing Corner), where you can watch the traffic while enjoying a coffee.
I went to Starbucks (ex LC) at A31 Wimborne just yesterday, so I could absorb the atmosphere of homegoing Christmas queues through the window. Even better in summer when you can sit outside.

Birdlip will be a good DC gap filler when done, like Sparkford and Chiverton Cross will be. M4-M5, Mere to Ilminster bp and Honiton to Camborne.

[BaggieBoy]

I've been travelling this route on a regular basis since 1973, I recall the major upgrade that was being made around this time.

The Birdlip section has been pain on so many occasions. The reason for travelling this way has diminished over the years and I fear by the time it opens I'll never actually travel it.

[Isleworth1961]

I've been travelling this route on a regular basis since 1973, I recall the major upgrade that was being made around this time.

Which particular major upgrade are you referring to around 1973?

[JammyDodge]

o we have any plans for a new number, it’s one route but 2 different roads A419 and A417 surely deserves a 2 digit number!

Sadly there isn't any A4x numbers available
But why don't we consider digging the Expressway concept and go for the A417(M) or M41

[trickstat]

The Air Balloon was one of those places on my hit list that I never went to because I was always on my way to or from somewhere else when passing it. I realised that I would have to make it the destination so, on Oct 20 2017, the box was ticked.

Prime seats for watching elephant racing!

[DB617]

I've been travelling this route on a regular basis since 1973, I recall the major upgrade that was being made around this time.

The Birdlip section has been pain on so many occasions. The reason for travelling this way has diminished over the years and I fear by the time it opens I'll never actually travel it.

I was musing the same to my parents amongst nerdy boxing day conversations. Change in travel patterns post pandemic seem to have greatly reduced the traffic on the cut out section of M4/M5, but that said, there is still the simple reduction in miles driven on long journeys between Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.

[JackieRoads]

But what if they moved the Air Balloon pub?

[skiddaw05]

Sadly there isn't any A4x numbers available

There would be if they finished the M42!

[BaggieBoy]

Which particular major upgrade are you referring to around 1973?

The duelling of the section from Cirencester northwards. From 1973 to 1975 I travelled this section almost every week and remember it well.

[Isleworth1961]

Which particular major upgrade are you referring to around 1973?

The duelling of the section from Cirencester northwards. From 1973 to 1975 I travelled this section almost every week and remember it well.

I used to travel the route several times a year up until 1976 (admittedly as a front seat passenger, not a driver) between Cirencester and Birdlip (we always took Birdlip Hill as opposed to Crickley Hill), and I certainly don't remember any of it being dual carriageway back then...but I do remember the few safe opportunities to overtake on the old Roman Road!

edit: The dualling from Cirencester to Nettleton appears to have taken place post 1993 (and the Birdlip Bypass about 1990) according to newpaper articles.

[skiddaw05]

Which particular major upgrade are you referring to around 1973?

The duelling of the section from Cirencester northwards. From 1973 to 1975 I travelled this section almost every week and remember it well.

I used to travel the route several times a year up until 1976 (admittedly as a front seat passenger, not a driver) between Cirencester and Birdlip (we always took Birdlip Hill as opposed to Crickley Hill), and I certainly don't remember any of it being dual carriageway back then...but I do remember the few safe opportunities to overtake on the old Roman Road!

edit: The dualling from Cirencester to Nettleton appears to have taken place post 1993 (and the Birdlip Bypass about 1990) according to newpaper articles.

Was the original Cirencester bypass built in about 1973?

[SteveA30]

OS revised 1972 shows dualling from M4 to south of Stratton, Blunsdon Hill only, no Cricklade bp. Cirencester bp northern half to A429 was open by 1967. No dualling north of there.