With work to the Spa Road roundabout in Melksham due to be completed in mid-August, Wiltshire Council has updated its residents on the opening of the connecting Melksham Eastern Relief Road (MERR).
Following the completion of the roundabout works, these will be subject to inspections by council officers, who will also inspect the two signal-controlled toucan pedestrian crossings and street lighting. A road safety audit will also be completed at the same time ahead of adoption by the council.
Once the roundabout is formally adopted, additional factors must also be completed and in operation before the Melksham Eastern Relief Road is opened to through traffic, including:
- The signal-controlled puffin pedestrian crossing link to Melksham Oak must be operational.
- A speed limit order must be made for Melksham Eastern Relief Road and it must be enforceable, with signage in place.
- Final surfacing works need to be completed along the link road.
A Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for the proposed 40mph speed has been advertised and following a number of objections, these are being considered by officers before the Cabinet Member makes a final decision on whether the 40mph limit will be approved.
Cllr Nick Holder, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “Our officers are working hard with the developer to complete the final works required to be in a position to open this key link to through traffic and alleviate the high volume of traffic currently using Snowberry Lane.
“While we are keen to open the route as quickly as possible; however, the outstanding actions must be completed and signed off to ensure the safety of all users before we can progress. We hope to have the Melksham Eastern Relief Road as soon as possible.
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PIC-WILTSHIRE COUNCIL
