Residents, motorists and businesses facing weeks of disruption from major roadworks in a Wiltshire town have been told they will have to wait even longer for the route to reopen.
Wiltshire Council has confirmed Mortimer Street in Trowbridge will remain closed until at least November 6, more than a month later than planned, after delays to essential utility diversion work.
The road had been due to reopen on October 2, but the authority has now admitted the project has fallen behind schedule and apologised for the ongoing disruption.
The closure forms part of the wider Longfield Gyratory improvement scheme, which is designed to increase capacity, improve journey times and make it easier for motorists to reach the town's new leisure centre.
Mortimer Street has been shut while contractors carry out underground utility diversions, widen sections of carriageway and install new traffic signals.
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Although Wiltshire Council said "substantial work" has already been completed, outstanding utility works mean the route cannot yet reopen to traffic.
The delay is likely to be met with frustration by residents, businesses and drivers who have endured months of disruption linked to the scheme.
Some businesses say the ongoing roadworks have had a significant impact on their livelihoods.
Wiltshire Council said it is working with contractors and utility companies to complete the remaining work as quickly as possible and minimise the impact on the local area.
However, while the closure has officially been extended until November 6, the authority said it hopes to reopen the road to one-way traffic before then if it is considered safe and practical to do so.
That would allow vehicles to access Mortimer Street from the Longfield Gyratory while the final stages of the project are completed.
David Bullock, Wiltshire Council's director of assets, highways and transport, said: "We know these works have taken longer than anyone would have liked, and I would like to apologise for the continued disruption.
"We understand the frustration and inconvenience this has caused residents, businesses and everyone who travels through the area.
"The latest delay is linked to the completion of essential utility diversion work, and we are working closely with all parties involved to finish the scheme as quickly as possible and reopen the road at the earliest opportunity.
"We appreciate the patience people have shown throughout this project and will continue to provide updates as the work progresses."
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