In a surprising turn of events, a retiree in the United Kingdom is facing an unusual and costly solution to access his home after a major road construction project. Brian Garlick, 69, who lives near the A417 Missing Link highway project between Gloucester and Cirencester, has been informed that the safest way to reach his property will be through a specially constructed tunnel, potentially costing up to $7.5 million. The government agency National Highways initially offered to buy his home but later withdrew the offer, leaving Garlick with few options. This situation highlights the challenges faced by residents living near large-scale infrastructure projects and raises questions about how such issues are handled.
A Complex Situation Unfolding Near Gloucester and Cirencester
In the picturesque countryside of England, the construction of the A417 Missing Link—a 3-mile-long highway aimed at reducing traffic congestion—has brought unexpected complications for one local resident. Brian Garlick, a 69-year-old retiree, finds himself in a unique predicament. His home, located alongside this ambitious project, is set to become isolated once the road opens in 2027. To ensure safe access, National Highways plans to build a private tunnel, estimated to cost between $5 million and $7.5 million.
Garlick, who now resides in a trailer park during the construction phase, expressed shock at the proposed tunnel. Initially, he hoped to sell his family’s 1950s house to National Highways, but the agency withdrew its offer of $940,000, citing that the property lies outside the project boundary. As a result, Garlick must give 21 days' notice to access his home, which he was born in. He also faces ongoing expenses, including council tax, electricity, and other bills, while living in a caravan provided by himself.
The tunnel, planned to be a quarter of a mile from Garlick’s house, will not only provide him with access but also serve utility needs such as maintaining telephone poles and aiding drainage. National Highways maintains that the underpass was always part of the plan and is necessary for safety and functionality. However, Garlick feels let down by the handling of his case, noting that communication from the agency has been sparse since June 2023.
Despite the inconvenience, Garlick acknowledges that the completed road will improve traffic conditions. Yet, concerns remain about potential noise levels, with glazing adjustments only scheduled for one year after the road's official opening. The A417 Missing Link project, costing $577 million, aims to alleviate congestion at the single-lane bottleneck near Birdlip, promising better connectivity for the region.
Steve Foxley, the program manager for National Highways, assured that they have engaged extensively with Garlick and will continue to address any concerns to minimize disruption. However, the specifics of the tunnel’s cost remain undisclosed, emphasizing that it must meet strict design standards.
From a journalist's perspective, this story underscores the complexities of balancing large-scale infrastructure development with the rights and well-being of affected residents. It raises important questions about transparency, accountability, and the need for more compassionate solutions when dealing with individuals whose lives are disrupted by such projects. The case of Brian Garlick serves as a reminder that behind every grand infrastructure plan, there are personal stories that deserve attention and fair treatment.