A PROPOSED new route to solve one of the regions, biggest traffic problems has been backed by Cotswold District Council.

Members have backed option 30 as the best solution to the A417 'missing link.'

Highways England proposed two surface to address the frequent traffic congestion arising from the single stretch carriageway on the A417 between Brockworth bypass and Cowley roundabout.

Tunnel options were not considered by the CDC and the cabinet concluded that £485m option 30 is better than the £465m option 12

The CDC will now submit a detailed response to Highways England commenting in detail on the landscape, environmental, traffic, social and technical issues.

Option 30 is a 3.4 mile route which follows the alignment of the existing A417 at Crickley Hill with less of a slope.

A new section of road would be built through Shab Hill to the east of the existing route, re-joining near Cowley roundabout which would be removed along with the air balloon.

Two new junctions would also be included - one at Shab Hill and one at the existing A417 close to Barrow Wake with a link road in-between.

Commenting on the cabinet decision, CDC deputy leader Cllr Nick Parsons said: "We are very pleased that this nationally significant problem is well on the way to being resolved, and we firmly believe that Option 30 is the better of the two routes presented for consultation.

"Under this option, the gradient at Crickley Hill would be less severe and the roundabouts at the Air Balloon pub and Cowley would be removed.

"Option 30 would also help reduce the impact of the new works on the landscape and nearby communities. Additionally, despite the slightly higher initial cost, it would yield a much better return on investment according to the information provided by Highways England.

Leader of the CDC Liberal Democrat Group, Cllr Joe Harris added: "I’m pleased that we’re finally at a stage where we know what the solution to the A417 ‘Missing Link’ is going to look like. A cross-party effort at Cotswold District Council has bought a solution much closer and we can see the light at the end of the tunnel at last.

"Option 30 is the best scheme on the table as it avoids close contact with Birdlip and Cowley, and we are aware that the majority of public consultees also favour this choice. We very much hope that Highways England can now get the scheme underway as soon as possible."