A36 Limpley Stoke reopens after almost a year of roadworks

On the morning of Monday, June 30, the A36 Warminster Road at Limpley Stoke was completely open to drivers following an 11-month programme of works to stabilise the road after cracks were discovered in the footpath beside the road.

The A36 initially closed in August 2024 for the works to begin, with the intention to prevent further movement and keep the main carriageway safe. A number of closures, full and partial, followed the initial one before the full reopening this week.

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In February, National Highways, the organisation that manages the road, confirmed the road would partially reopen under two-way traffic lights on March 1 as the final works were carried out.

From June 26, four nights of complete closures took place at Limpley Stoke between 8pm and 6am as resurfacing and lining works were carried out in preparation for the reopening.

Hugh Campbell, senior project manager for National Highways, said: “We’re delighted that we are finally able to fully reopen this vital stretch of road following the cracks and destabilisation that occurred along the side of the pavement.

“This challenging scheme has been a complex one to deliver, and it’s thanks to the efforts of our supply chain, both the designers and the workers on the ground that we have managed to complete the works as quickly and safely as possible.”Cracks were discovered in the footpath beside the carriageway last year. (Image: National Highways)

The A36 Warminster Road had been fully closed between Limpley Stoke and Monkton Coombe since 9pm on Sunday, November 10, after cracks were discovered in the footpath beside the road, leading to stability concerns.

The road was initially closed in August for nine weeks, reopening in October to allow for works on the A350 and M4 before it closed again.

Mr Campbell also said National Highways sympathised with drivers and locals frustrated by diversions and road closures, and thanked them for their patience.

“We appreciate the roadworks and diversions have been frustrating but it was essential we carried out this complex repair work under a full and lane closure for safety.

“Throughout the work, we ensured we communicated with neighbours, businesses and residents and we thank all users and the local community for their co-operation and patience throughout.”

The section of road in questions has come under scrutiny from various residents over the past few months.

In February, the Wiltshire Times spoke to local parents hoping the road was made safer for pedestrians.

Sam Fairley, who has two primary-aged children at Freshford Church School, and who has helped organise a campaign to reduce the speed limit from 40pmh to 30mph, said the idea of having to cross the road with young children is a “daunting” prospect.

She said: “It’s been lovely being able to cross the A36 while it’s been closed.

“There have been lots and lots of near misses. Many people have had near misses where they’ve had to run across the road with a five-year-old in their hand. One gentleman said that he has had two near misses and was even clipped by a car.”

A parish councillor also described crossing the road as “terrifying” as the local community also pushed for a change in the speed limit along the stretch of road.

At the time, National Highways told the paper they were liaising with the community. One Monday, June 30, a spokesperson said it was their understanding no reduction had been made on the stretch.