B4069 Lyneham Banks rebuilding due to start this summer

Wiltshire Council has announced its intended contractor to carry out major rebuilding works to the B4069 Lyneham Banks, which has been shut since a landslip destroyed a large section of the road in February 2022.

The key route links Chippenham and Lyneham and used to see around 5,500 vehicles a day, so the extended closure has caused significant issues for the community.

READ MORE: B4069 Lyneham Banks repair plans submitted by council

The destroyed section of the B4069 Lyneham Banks (Image: SWNS)

Now the council has announced Octavius Infrastructure Limited will be awarded the contract to carry out the complex rebuilding of the road and significant drainage works.

Work at the site is due to start this summer and the council expects the road to reopen by spring 2025.

Last year officers settled on a £5.9 million preliminary design for the scheme and a planning application for the proposal was lodged in February.

This application is yet to be approved, with a decision deadline set for Thursday, May 30.

If consent is granted, the proposed project will see around 140 metres of dislodged carriageway reinstated.

Counterfort and herringbone drains would also be installed perpendicular to the route, along with a crest ditch at the top of the nearby slope, to prevent future ground failures south of the road.

The proposed solutions north of the road include a new 108-metre bored pile retaining wall to stabilise the ground and avoid future slips.

Cllr Nick Holder, the cabinet member for highways, said: “We’re pleased to award the contract to rebuild the B4069 at Lyneham Banks to Octavius, after what has been a difficult time for the community.

“As well as the build, in its tender, Octavius committed to providing various local social benefits, including a meet the contractor event, project newsletters, and community litter picks.

“We are committed to having well-connected communities in our business plan, and this rebuild project will reopen this road once again, which will be a positive step forward for the local community.”

SEE ALSO: Pub boss says extended road closure is 'disaster' for business

The destroyed section of the B4069 Lyneham Banks (Image: Dennis Golding)

Once the road has reopened, repairs will be undertaken on the local road network which has seen increased traffic.

In their design and access statement, Atkins, which prepared the council’s planning application, spoke of the importance of reinstating the busy road.

They said: “Wiltshire Council has a duty as highway authority to repair the existing road.

“The B4069 is a regionally important route providing connectivity between junction 17 of the M4 and North Wiltshire as well as serving several local communities.”