Posted on January 31st 2020

Press release January 29 2020

Phase 1B

A38 Roundabout Work Underway

Sunshine, high-vis, hard hats, Wellington boots and a lot of mud!

The sun was shining on the future of Cotswold Canals Connected Project on Tuesday 21st January 2020. Representatives from Highways England, Gloucestershire County Council, Cotswold Canals Trust and Stroud Valley Canal Company had the opportunity to meet the contractors Alun Griffiths (Construction) Ltd and find out more about how the initial stages of the project are getting on.

The old canal uncovered

“Unlike most road infrastructure projects, this is the cornerstone of a local charity’s mission to restore the historic canals between the River Severn and The Thames. Turning a well-known roundabout into a multi-junction road is no mean feat and the public have been amazingly supportive. Everyone has said how much they support the canal restoration and that this sea of cones is definitely worth it,” said Aimee-Louise Malcolm, Fundraiser-Ambassador, Cotswold Canals Trust.

The visitors inspect the middle of the roundabout

Highways England Project Manager Sarah Lewis said: “We’re pleased to see the works getting under way to restore the ‘Missing Mile’ of the Stroudwater Canal. “Our Designated Funds programme was developed so that we can invest in improvement projects like this, which go beyond traditional road building and maintenance, and have a positive impact on people and communities. “Funding for this project will have a significant impact on the whole restoration, we were delighted to meet on site with the contractor, Alun Griffiths Ltd, and we look forward to seeing the scheme developed.” Cllr Vernon Smith, Gloucestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “Meeting the team and partners from Cotswold Canals Trust and Highways England today was a real pleasure. We are delighted to have oversight of this important project that will benefit Gloucestershire and its communities. We are proud to be a core partner of the Cotswold Canals Connected Project and it’s fantastic to see the first diggers on site.” The contractors have been carrying out excavation and surface work before the canal channel is dug underneath the roundabout and two new bridges and a towpath are constructed. As well as the canal, it will provide a new walking and cycling route, environmental improvements with more than 30 hectares of wildlife habitats and a safe crossing for people under the A38, with the project due to be completed in October this year. To read more about the works visit www.cotswoldcanals.org.uk or https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/…