A major project to future-proof a roundabout linking a town's busiest roads is to progress onto the next round – but some are concerned about the project.
Wiltshire Council has announced it is progressing with the “essential upgrade” of the Longfield Gyratory in Trowbridge and the surrounding area, with several phases complete and more phases now in progress or set to begin.
The council has explained that once complete, the work will increase capacity for vehicles on the gyratory, while also enhancing pedestrian safety and supporting the development of the new Trowbridge leisure centre, which is currently under construction.
Bill Ellis, who owns and operates Power Shoe Repairs and Key Centre in Castle Street, has said he remains baffled by the project and fears it could have a lasting impact on business in the town.
Mr Ellis said: “I really don’t think whoever is in charge of this has given any great thought. It’s chaos. The actual town is chaos. I think there singlehandedly trying to stop vehicles coming into the town centre.
“I cannot believe how much of a mistake they’ve been making. It’s awful. Trade is hard enough without customers not being able to come into town.
“How many firms if they’re finding it tight now, if they’re having less customers, will be able to go on? You’ve got to think about the here and now, as well as twelve months’ time.
“Do a segment at a time but finish the segment. Do one job, finish it, and move on to the next one. They’re not helping the flow of traffic, through, or beyond Trowbridge.”
Responding to Wiltshire Council’s announcement on social media, a resident of the area surrounding the Gyratory highlighted criticism.
Lisa Rowlands wrote: “I live on this roundabout and at present we’ve had all pedestrian access completely closed off, meaning residents can’t safely walk on or off the roundabout at all. Now it also looks like we’re about to lose vehicle access onto the roundabout from County Way, which is ridiculous.
“Despite being directly affected, we’ve had no letters or notifications about any of these closures or how we’re supposed to access our homes. It’s incredibly frustrating and unsafe that no proper consideration seems to have been given to the people who actually live here.”
Suggested reading:
- Major A-road to be closed for entire weekends - here's when and why
- Planters resembling controversial 'monstrosity cheese grater' furniture installed
- Popular festival permanently cancelled despite bid to save it
The council has already completed the work to strengthen Cradle Bridge and upgraded the Tesco junction on County Way. All work on Castle Street will also be completed by 15 November.
A lane closure is currently in effect until Tuesday, December 9 on the section of the gyratory between County Way and Brown Street. Vehicles will not be able to enter Brown Street from the Longfield Gyratory during this time. The spur of Brown Street leading to Bridge Street will also be closed from 7 November to 21 January 2026.
Following this, from December 10 to 22, access into Brown Street from Longfield Gyratory will be reinstated, but vehicles will not be permitted to exit from the Brown Street junction during this period.
From December 23 to January 4 2026, all restrictions will be lifted, before the next phase begins on January 5 until January 21, when the exit from Brown Street will once again be closed, and vehicles will not be allowed to travel from the Longfield Gyratory towards Bradley Road.
Following that, from January 21 to March 6, there will be a partial closure of County Way to widen the carriageway and increase capacity for vehicles. During this time, vehicles will only be able to exit Longfield on to County Way - there will be no access from County Way on to the Longfield Gyratory.
Cllr Martin Smith, cabinet member for Highways, said: "We understand that this work may cause inconvenience, and we apologise for any disruption it causes.
"We have done all we can to try to minimise disruption, including sending more than 1,000 letters to local residents and carrying out the improvements in carefully planned phases to keep traffic moving as best we can throughout the project.
"These upgrades are essential to improve traffic flow, enhance pedestrian safety, and support the development of the new Trowbridge Leisure Centre.
"I'd like to thank everyone for their patience and cooperation as we work to deliver long-term benefits for Trowbridge."
Share