A350 dual carriageway works at Chippenham further delayed

Councillors initially hoped full construction would begin on a £20.7 million project to dual the remaining sections of the A350 at Chippenham this spring.

Initial works, including vegetation clearance, were completed between January and March ahead of the main construction phase.

But at the time of writing, months after spring ended, the council is yet to receive approval for its Full Business Case from the Department for Transport (DfT).

READ MORE: Major Wiltshire roadworks project set to be delayed

Preliminary works on the A350 earlier this year (Image: Trevor Porter)

The scheme cannot progress without this green light, which has reportedly been delayed by the upheaval of a General Election.

Cllr Nick Holder, cabinet member for highways, remains committed to seeing the remainder of the project through, despite this delay.

He said: “Preliminary works have already taken place on the A350 dualling works at Chippenham.

“The main construction was expected to begin in spring 2024 and end in autumn 2025, however, this was subject to the approval of the Full Business Case by the DfT.

“The decision has been delayed by the General Election and implementation of the new government, however, we remain committed to the scheme and are in contact with DfT on its plan for the next steps.”

The project will see the remainder of the bypass turned into a dual carriageway, between Chequers and Lackham Roundabouts, and Bumpers Farm and Cepen Park South Roundabouts.

The scheme will also include upgrades to Bumpers Farm Roundabout, including additional lanes, traffic signals, and crossings, and capacity enhancements at Lackham Roundabout.

The contract for the major works has already been awarded to MJ Church, with the firm set to begin construction once the DfT has approved the Full Business Case.

SEE ALSO: Work starts next week ahead of £20m transformation of major route

Preliminary works on the A350 earlier this year (Image: Trevor Porter)

Temporary traffic orders are in place that will allow the council to introduce 40mph speed limits on the A350 as and when required during this work.

Residents have raised concerns about the impact of the roadworks on drivers, but the council hopes the scheme will reduce journey times on the busy route in the long run.

Speaking in March, Cllr Holder said: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused by these works, but this final phase of the Chippenham A350 dualling scheme will reduce journey times and congestion on this key Wiltshire road.

“Public information events will be held before the main works begin to share more information on the benefits of the scheme, how we are mitigating disruption, and what traffic management arrangements will be in place.”