Major roadworks project in Trowbridge hit with delays

Wiltshire Council has confirmed that the current closure of County Way leading to the gyratory will remain in place until at least Friday, April 17.

During the ongoing works, the council has discovered that an underground high-voltage electricity cable, which was known to the project team and was to be managed as part of the project, was not laid at a suitable depth by SSE, the owner of the asset.

This creates a potential danger for the teams working on site, as the plans for the area listed the cable as deeper than it actually is.

To ensure the safety of the workforce and to reduce the risk of future cable strikes, SSE has advised that the high-voltage cable must be diverted to change both its route and depth.

Due to the required notice periods for SSE customers ahead of the temporary disruption to electricity supply during the switchover, there will be a delay to the completion of the current phase of works.

As a result, the northbound section of County Way towards the Longfield Gyratory will remain closed until at least April 17. Vehicles will be unable to travel northbound from Bradley Road or Dursley Road during this time.

Cllr Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “We apologise for the additional disruption this will cause, but this extra work is essential to ensure the safety of both the workforce and the public.

“Our teams knew about this high-voltage cable, but the cable is not as deep as it should be and so SSE must divert the cable to ensure the safety of our contractors and the general public.

“The improvements at Longfield Gyratory will increase traffic capacity, replace the traffic signals, and improve pedestrian and cycling access to the new leisure centre.

“We thank residents and motorists for their continued patience as we deliver long-term improvements for Trowbridge.”

A signed diversion route will remain in place for the duration of the works, supported by advance warning signage positioned around the town.

SSE has been approached for comment.

The council has previously apologised for “any inconvenience” caused by the project. One resident speaking to this paper earlier this year described the traffic through the centre of town as “horrendous.”

The council has said the works on the gyratory will improve traffic flow and overall safety around the gyratory, and also boost cycling and walking connections.