Drivers in Wiltshire are adjusting to a new road layout at a major junction at the heart of a £32m dual carriageway project. The Bumpers Farm roundabout on the A350 at Chippenham has been enlarged as part of a significant step forward in an 18-month scheme due for completion by the end of 2026, says the BBC.
Contractor MJ Church said “the biggest traffic management change” to date is happening to enable essential work like drainage, new kerbs and traffic signal infrastructure.
The switch was carried out during overnight road closures and MJ Church said there will be new signs as it “moves closer to the final road layout”.
Wiltshire Council said the temporary layout “reflects the layout of the upgraded roundabout and will help road users become familiar with the new arrangement”.
The A350 is a primary freight route connecting the south coast with the M4, Bristol and the Midlands and acts as a bypass for Chippenham. The government is funding £26.6m of the £32.3m cost of dualling the section around the town and adapting the roundabout. The Department for Transport has said previously that once the work is finished, the changes will shave up to 25% off journey times, reducing air pollution and improving safety.
Councillor Martin Smith, cabinet member for highways, said:
“The project remains on track for completion towards the end of 2026. We would like to thank road users for their continued patience while these improvements are delivered.”
New traffic signals had been installed in the area would which will improve safety and traffic flow once the scheme was finished.
(Picture: Mapillary)
