Calne High Street reopening pushed back amid traffic woes

Wiltshire Council had planned to start work on reopening the pedestrianised Calne High Street to traffic before the end of 2024.

But following discussions with the town council, this trial scheme, which is designed to tackle traffic issues on the surrounding roads, has been rescheduled for 2025.

While some minor preliminary works will go ahead in November as planned, the reopening of the route is now expected to take place in February 2025, after the full project kicks off in January.

Cllr Nick Holder, cabinet member for highways, said: “After further discussion with Calne Town Council and to avoid disruption during the build up to the festive season, it has now been agreed to undertake works to reopen High Street from mid-January with opening due mid-February. 

“Some minor advance works will be taking place in November as originally planned.”

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Calne High Street (Image: Newsquest) Calne Town Council has supported pushing back the works as November and December is an important time for retailers on the High Street and Christmas events in the area.

The council is trialling the changes to improve air quality, particularly on The Square, where the narrow road causes queuing traffic, dangerous passes, and the mounting of kerbs.

Once implemented, the £100,000 scheme would mean the High Street is open to traffic one way, south from Wood Street to Curzon Street.

Vehicles exiting High Street will only be able to turn left, while those heading west from Wood Street onto The Square will need to turn right at the mini roundabout.

Cllr Nick Holder added: “We want to improve air quality in Calne and help relieve some of the traffic issues on The Square, which is why we’re trailing opening High Street to traffic, one way from north to south.

“We are committed to having well-connected communities in Wiltshire, and we hope these changes will help improve the air quality and traffic flow in Calne.”

Calne High Street (Image: Newsquest) The trial will last for 18 months, during which time residents can have their say on whether they want the arrangement to become permanent.

Wiltshire Council will also be monitoring the impact of the experiment on traffic and air quality.

The council will tarmac the centre of High Street for vehicles and install temporary physical barriers on each side of the road to help keep pedestrians safe.

During this time, the disabled parking on High Street will be suspended and the tree planters will be moved.