RESIDENTS are being invited to an open day in Melksham to find out more about work on a £3 million improvement scheme for the Farmer’s Roundabout.

Contractors Dyer & Butler are hosting a Meet the Contractor event on February 11 at Melksham Town Hall from 4-7.30pm.

People are welcome to pop in to find out more and discuss any concerns.

Work will get underway on Monday (February 4)to the roundabout on the A350 through Melksham, which include adding traffic lights.

Traffic signals will be in operation to improve traffic flow and reduce queues while the work is taking place on the scheme.

The A350 is a key route linking the M4 with the South of England and the route through Melksham often causes traffic congestion and delays.

Wiltshire Council is working closely with Dyer & Butler to plan the sequence of construction work to minimise disruption.

There will be no reduction in the number of lanes operating during peak hours and a temporary 30mph speed limit will also be in place.

Signs have been put up in the area including as far afield as the M4 junction 17 and the A350 at Yarnbrook to give plenty of notice to long distance motorists and the opportunity for them to change their route choice should they wish.

The outline programme of work will be:

• Farmers Roundabout – early February to late spring 2019

• Western Way (off-peak lane closures, completing with a week of night closures) – late Spring to Summer 2019

• North of Farmers Roundabout to A365 junction – Summer to early Autumn 2019

• Completion of works – October 2019

As part of the works, improvements to the appearance of the area will take place including clearing vegetation, removing weeds and obstructive foliage, sign maintenance and general cleaning.

There will also be revised signing and lining, drainage improvements and extensive resurfacing works.

Wiltshire Council cabinet member for highways, Bridget Wayman said: “We are committed to improving Wiltshire’s roads.

“This roundabout and route in Melksham suffers from traffic congestion particularly during the peak periods and forms part of the key A350 route linking the M4 with the South of England.

“These much-needed improvements will result in better traffic flow and a more accessible town and this in turn will have a positive impact on the local economy.

“We apologise for the disruption caused and are doing all we can to mitigate the impact, but I hope people can bear with us during this period – the end result will be worth the wait.”

Funding for the £3 million scheme is largely being provided through the Department for Transport’s National Productivity Investment Funding (NPIF) following a successful Wiltshire Council bid.

Wiltshire Council has a dedicated page to the works and this will be regularly updated throughout.

It can be found at http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/highways-improvements-a350-melksham

There will be some delays while the work is carried out as traffic management and lane closures will be required.