The council has said that it is “really sorry” as it announces yet another delay to a major project to overhaul a busy junction.
Wiltshire Council has confirmed that the Longfield Gyratory improvement works in Trowbridge, will need to remain in place for longer than originally planned.
The extension is needed to allow essential high‑voltage cable works on County Way to be completed safely before the council can finish the remaining elements of this part of the scheme. Completion of the current phase is now expected by the end of May.
Cllr Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “We are really sorry for this extended delay, but it is out of our control.
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“We know this phase of the project has been long and frustrating for residents, businesses and everyone travelling through the area, and we understand people’s patience is being tested.
“However, our teams cannot move this high-voltage cable for safety reasons – it must be moved by SSEN and its contractors, and we are reliant on them and their teams to complete this work.
“While this has taken longer than expected, we are now seeing those works progress on site, which will allow us to move forward and complete the outstanding elements.
“At the same time, we’re pressing ahead with the next phase on Bythesea Road, so that once the cable works are finished we can make rapid progress across the whole junction.
“When complete, these improvements will deliver lasting benefits for Trowbridge, including better traffic flow, upgraded traffic signals and safer, more accessible routes for pedestrians and cyclists, including those travelling to the new leisure centre.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their continued patience while we work to complete this major scheme.”
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Once the work to move the cable on County Way is complete, the council says it will be able to move quickly to finish the remaining lighting, signal and surfacing works on County Way and Longfield Road.
In parallel, the council will also be starting the next phase of the Longfield scheme on Bythesea Road, which will involve widening the carriageway and installing a new signal‑controlled junction.
This phase will begin with the removal of the existing central islands and traffic signals, with evening closures from May 18. These closures will be coordinated with final surfacing works on County Way and Longfield Road to reduce the overall impact on the town as far as possible. Following these closures, works on Bythesea Road will operate with two-way traffic under narrow lanes to minimise impact on the highway network.
A signed diversion route will remain in place for the duration of the works, supported by advance warning signage around the town.
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