A groundbreaking wildlife bridge is under construction in Gloucestershire, with completion expected for 2027. The Gloucestershire Way bridge, set to be the UK’s largest wildlife crossing, is part of the A417 Missing Link project, an initiative designed to build new roads while preserving the Cotswolds ’ natural beauty and wildlife.
The wildlife bridge is a pivotal component of the A417 project, with an estimated cost of £460million. The wildlife corridor, which crosses the new A417 dual carriageway between Gloucester and Cirencester, will measure 37 metres in length, featuring a 27-metre stretch of grassland and a hedgerow.
The bridge will also accommodate walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
That sounds crazy expensive, like everything related to car infrastructure. The width of the bridge and big number of lanes to cross probably increases cost as well.
The solution isn’t to give up on wildlife crossing, it’s to reduce the number of lanes of course.