National Highways has awarded a £460m contract to Kier to design and deliver an upgrade to the A417 between Gloucester and Swindon.

The contract award follows a competitive procurement process through National Highways’ Regional Delivery Partnership framework.

Kier and National Highways completed a budget setting process in the early part of this year (2022). Kier’s team will include Volker, Arup, Tony Gee and RPS to prepare for and construct the 3.4-mile route.

The Planning Inspectorate is examining a Development Consent Order (DCO) application, which is needed for all Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects prior to construction starting.

Following the examination’s conclusion in May, the Planning Inspectorate will send its recommendation of a decision to the secretary of state for transport in the summer, with a decision on the route expected by the Secretary of State in the autumn.

Michael Goddard, project director for the A417, said: “We are delighted to be working with Kier to move forward this vital scheme. Kier has an extensive track record working with National Highways and delivering large scale infrastructure projects, so we are confident they will deliver a scheme that meets our landscape-led vision. We will work together to deliver a project that is sympathetic with the special character of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and will support economic growth, improve traffic flows at peak times and make the road safer.”

Paul Baker, Kier Highways project director, said: “Delivering highways infrastructure which is vital to the UK is Kier Highways’ purpose and we are proud to be doing this through the delivery of the A417 contract. We look forward to working with National Highways and our supply chain partners to deliver this vitally important infrastructure project to improve the connectivity of the strategic road network.

“We are a national business with a local focus and throughout the duration of the project, we will support the local community through employment opportunities and social value initiatives that leave a positive legacy.”

The A417/A419 provides an important route between Gloucester and Swindon that helps connect the midlands/north to the south of England. It’s an alternative to the M5/M4 route via Bristol.