Motorists using the A36 trunk road from Bath to Warminster could face long delays near Dundas in the new year.

National Highways has put out signs giving advance notice of work on a drainage scheme coming in the new year.

In May, National Highways announced plans to build a new retaining wall alongside the A36 at Dundas and drainage works between Bathampton and Brassknocker Hill at Monkton Combe.

The projects are part of a huge £167 million investment by National Highways to repair and maintain the road network in the South West.

Wiltshire Times: The advance warning sign alongside the A36 between Warminster and Bath. The advance warning sign alongside the A36 between Warminster and Bath. (Image: John Baker)

The project will start on Tuesday, January 2 after the Christmas and New Year festive holiday ends and is expected to last until the end of July.

Most of the work will be carried out during daytime hours, with two-way traffic lights, meaning that drivers will face delays or may have to seek alternative routes.

A spokesperson for National Highways said: “National Highways will be carrying out a drainage repair and renewal scheme on the A36 near Bath early in the new year.

“The scheme will alleviate the risk of flooding and surface water on the A36 between Bathampton and Brassknocker Hill.

“Work will involve excavation, pipework replacement and lining and resurfacing work and will be carried out in phases between early January and July under temporary traffic signals, largely during the daytime, with some full overnight closures, and access will be maintained for residents and businesses at all times.

“National Highways has been liaising with stakeholders and will communicate further details to local communities once start of work is finalised.”

Last year, more than 100 villagers at Limpley Stoke and Freshford submitted their responses to a National Highways consultation on the A36 crossings survey.

Following the public meeting with National Highways at Limpley Stoke Village Hall on August 4 2022, National Highways is working with Limpley Stoke and Freshford Parish Councils to identify deliverable solutions to village severance and A36 crossing issues.

National Highways has agreed to explore the requirement for a safe pedestrian/cyclist crossing on the A36 at or near the Midford Lane junction.

The agency will also look at the potential for adjusting the traffic light settings at the Brassknocker/Dundas Viaduct junction to try and alleviate the tailbacks that form due to cars waiting to turn right into the B3108.

This will be subject to an extensive data-gathering exercise which will look at the A36 and adjoining roads.