Trowbridge traffic problems as Castle Street roadworks begin

Drivers reported traffic chaos in the roads through the town centre on Tuesday as they reacted to the work in Castle Street.

One anonymous motorist said: “Castle Street is completely gridlocked. Avoid if possible.”

The congestion extended to Bythesea Road, Stallard Street and the Bradley Road as delayed drivers sought to find alternative routes.

Della Morris said: “It was a nightmare everywhere trying to get out of Trowbridge. Traffic was at a standstill in Stallard Street too trying to get to the Bradley Road.

“I ended up detouring up Wingfield Road/Studley to get to Frome Road, which to be fair was actually quite clear going out of town.”

Signs go up as work begins on the Castle Street improvements. Photo: Trevor Porter 69904-2 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Cllr Caroline Thomas, the council’s cabinet member for transport, said in response: “We were aware of some traffic problems in Trowbridge on Tuesday.

"Alongside the start of the Castle Street works as part of the Future High Streets funding, there were also temporary traffic lights on Bradley Road which was affecting the flow of traffic around Trowbridge.

"In addition, the fun fair is in the park this week, and with the good weather and half term also taking place there are an increased number of vehicles in the town.

“It can take a day or two after a new road layout is introduced for roadworks for traffic to settle down as people get used to the changes and account for them when planning their journeys. We are monitoring the traffic and will also arrange for extra signage to be placed at Court St roundabout to encourage drivers not to block the roundabout.”

The works are part of the second phase of improvements to Trowbridge town centre being undertaken with £16.3m of government funding awarded to Wiltshire Council as part of the Future High Streets Fund.

From May 30, work began on public realm improvements in Castle Street to increase access and safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

The works are being carried out in two main phases with completion expected by November 2023.

Cllr Thomas said: “One of our key priorities is to create vibrant and well-connected communities so we’re really pleased that the next scheme to improve walking and cycling access in and around the town centre will be starting next week.

“We appreciate there will be some disruption, but every effort will be made to keep this to a minimum wherever possible, including working closely with Trowbridge Town Council, local traders and organisers of town events to ensure disruption is minimised.

“All local amenities in this area will remain open and accessible during the construction period.”

The building of the St Stephen’s Place complex with its cinema, restaurants and other attractions, means Castle Street now acts as a key pedestrian link from this development into the town centre.

The intention is to enhance Castle Street and reinforce the connection between the St Stephen’s Place complex and the town centre.

Due to the need to service businesses, traffic will not be removed from Castle Street but the pedestrian routes will be enhanced, with improved crossing points and widening of the narrowest footpaths.

The first phase is taking place between Cradle Bridge and the Court Street roundabout and is expected to be complete in mid-August 2023.

During this time, a one-way system will be in place between Cradle Bridge and the Court Street roundabout, allowing traffic to travel northbound on Castle Street only. 

Temporary traffic signals will also be in place at the Court Street roundabout to safely manage traffic movements during this time.

The second phase will see construction works take place on the northern section of Castle Street, from Court Street to Market Street and is scheduled for completion in November.

To find out more, click www.wiltshire.gov.uk/fhsf-trowbridge