Advanced works are due to begin ahead of a project to transform further sections of one of Wiltshire’s busiest roads into a dual carriageway.

In November last year, Wiltshire Council confirmed plans to begin the final phases of dualling the A350 at Chippenham in the spring of 2024, pending approval from the Department of Transport.

Phases four and five of the scheme will see the entire bypass become a dual carriageway following dualling between the Chequers and Lackham Roundabouts and then between the Bumpers Farm and Cepen Park South Roundabouts.

Now “advanced works” have been scheduled to start on Monday, January 8, ahead of these phases being carried out.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Works between Lackham and Chequers Roundabouts in 2022Works between Lackham and Chequers Roundabouts in 2022 (Image: Trevor Porter)

These preliminary works will continue until February 28 and will involve vegetation clearance and the removal of overburden from the verge of the carriageway between the Lackham and Chequers Roundabouts.

They will include some carriageway incursion but are not expected to cause delays for motorists.

The £20.7 million contract for the project was awarded to local firm MJ Church in December.

The council aims to complete the dualling of the A350 by autumn 2025.

It is hoped the scheme will provide easier access to Bumpers Farm Industrial Estate and improve journey times on the A350.