Work has started on a vast eco bridge as part of the long-awaited A417 Missing Link scheme in Gloucestershire.
National Highways and contractor Keir have begun lifting 10 steel beams - each weighing 100 tonnes - into place to create the base of the Gloucestershire Way bridge at Shab Hill.
The so-called 'green' bridge will be 60 metres in length and 37 metres wide when finished, and will span eight lanes of the dual carriageway.
It will be used as a multi-purpose crossing for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, along with various wildlife species, including deer, badgers, voles and other small animals, insects and birds.
Planting on the bridge will mirror that of the landscape around it, according to National Highways, including 27 metres of calcareous grassland and hedgerows.
Steve Foxley, National Highways鈥 project director for the A417 Missing Link, said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e really proud of the environmental work being carried out as part of this landscape-led project, and the creation of one of the 海角视频鈥檚 biggest environmental bridges is a fundamental part of that."
National Highway, which is responsible for England鈥檚 major A roads and motorways, has already constructed four other 海角视频 'green' bridges, which create a safe crossing for wildlife (as well as people) and join up habitats.
The other bridges are over the A556 near Knutsford; the A21 at Scotney Castle in Sussex; as part of the A30 scheme in Cornwall; and Cockrow in Surrey as part of the M25 Wisley interchange scheme.
鈥淭his bridge is a testament to how we can integrate world-class environmental practices alongside vital transport improvements," added Mr Foxley.
鈥淔rom wildlife crossings to new habitats, we鈥檝e taken great care to ensure that our work respects and enhances the stunning Cotswold landscape.鈥
The 拢460m Missing Link scheme, which was given the green light in 2022, aims to improve the connection between two dual carriageway sections of the A417 at Brockworth and Cowley, and links between the M4 and M5.
Natasha James, Senior Ecologist for Kier, added: 鈥淎 lot of care has been taken before and during construction as part of a collaborative effort across the A417 Missing link scheme.
鈥淲e have a responsibility to ensure that we are leaving a positive legacy and delivering ecological and environmental benefits. It鈥檚 incredible to see the beams lifted into place for what will become a valuable habitat feature for many species, whilst also just being great for the landscape and ecology of the scheme.鈥
Further planting will take place in the autumn, and after all planting work across the scheme, a five-year maintenance period will follow to ensure the successful bedding in and growth of all new trees and shrubs, National Highways added.
