Gridlock in Trowbridge as drivers ignore warning signs

The works caused traffic chaos as drivers were forced to turn around because they could go no further.

Wessex Water is working to repair a mains water leak and closed Shails Lane at its junction with Hill Street and Back Lane.

A Wessex Water spokesman said: “We are working in this area from September 1 to 5.

“There may be some traffic disruption and we apologise for any inconvenience.”

But many drivers ignored the warning signs and carried on, and then found they could not proceed any further and were having to turn round.

The manoeuvring caused gridlock in that area of the town centre, as queuing traffic built up on surrounding approach roads.

One resident, Arthur Beanthorpe, said: “Part of the problem is that drivers don’t think the road closed signs are for them.

“So many people headed towards Hill Street, despite the sign, and then had to turn around adding to the queues.”

Wessex Water put out warning signs before the weekend, to alert drivers using the town centre that work was taking place.

And Trowbridge Town Council also posted a message on its website warning town centre users to avoid that area.

The works meant that one lane near Stallard Street was affected from its junction with the roundabout at the railway station over the town bridge to the junction with Hill Street.

The opposite lane is still accessible from Wicker Hill continuing towards the Holy Trinity Church roundabout.

Hill Street is closed up to the junction with Back Street (also closed), as is Shails Lane up to its junction with Riverway.

On both days, the one-way order on Back Street and Broad Street will be suspended to let people get to their homes.

Traffic needing to reach Riverway to get to businesses or homes will be allowed to use the one-way portion of Shails Lane from Broad Street to do so while the bottom section of Shails Lane is closed.

Wessex Water hopes to complete the works in time for traffic to return to normal by Monday.