Residents are fearful of more “traffic chaos” in a busy residential street after a road closure was extended.
London Road in Chippenham has been shut since Thursday, July 25 for Wessex Water flood alleviation works and had been due to reopen on Saturday, August 31.
But this closure has been extended until Sunday, September 8, sparking fears of further congestion with several schools in the area, including Charter Primary School and Abbeyfield School, reopening.
There is particular concern about traffic conflict on Wood Street, which has reportedly been used as a rat run this summer by those ignoring the diversion route taking them along the A4.
Town councillor Matthew Short has warned of “potential chaos” and issued a plea to drivers urging them to follow the signposted route.
READ MORE: Neighbours fume as diverted traffic causes chaos on residential street
He said: “Please, please, please follow the diversion and don’t cut through Wood Lane unless you live there.
“Most people cutting through Wood Lane now are doing it as a rat run, so please don't this week when Charter School returns.”
Replying to Cllr Short’s warning, residents shared the disruption the closure had caused in Wood Lane.
Jo Ruck said: “It’s been a nightmare, there’s a diversion there for a reason as that road isn’t supposed to take heavy traffic.
“I worry about the kids now on Wood Lane going back to school with their safety.”
Lucy Williams added: “It has been awful with loads of cars damaged by passing vehicles, people driving way too fast, and motorcross motorbikes driving up and down, even in the early hours. Very little sleep the last month.”
There will be some separate traffic management on Wood Lane from Monday, September 2, until Friday, September 6.
Wessex Water says it is working hard to try and reopen London Road before the end of the week.
A spokesperson added: “Our £2 million project to address historic issues with the flooding of sewers is progressing well along London Road, but we have agreed a week-long extension to the closure with Wiltshire Council to allow us to complete this segment of the complex work.
“We apologise for the inconvenience caused and are working hard to get London Road reopened before then.
“With the new school year in mind, we’re also liaising with local schools and businesses to keep them informed.
“Black Cross will be closed to through traffic until Friday, September 20, with construction of the below ground storm tank, on land off Long Close, taking place over a nine-week period starting on Monday, September 23.”
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