Wiltshire town to be 'gridlocked by volatile traffic'

Atkins has published a report analysing traffic issues on the key routes through Marlborough, and how congestion will differ by 2041.

The study predicted that, if nothing is done, travel times and delays will both rise significantly due to increased numbers of cars on the town’s roads.

The routes included in the study, which was led by Wiltshire Council and Marlborough Town Council, include some of the area’s busiest roads like the A4 and A436 through the town centre.

While three separate strategies were also modelled, each including a range of measures to tackle traffic, it was found none of these would lead to less congestion on most of these roads.

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Traffic in Marlborough (Image: Tom Ellis) Atkins concluded: “This study was necessitated by the seemingly volatile nature of the traffic network in Marlborough Town centre, which may be made worse by increased traffic volumes in the future.

“As shown, none of the interventions were able to meet the scheme objectives.

“This study has demonstrated that the volatile traffic situation in Marlborough town centre is difficult to resolve through local improvements to the highway network within the town.

“It is therefore recommended that for long term improvement to the traffic situation in Marlborough town centre, interventions are required from a more strategic network management perspective.”

Commenting on the study at a recent planning committee meeting, Marlborough Town Councillors warned action must be taken to prevent gridlock.

The meeting minutes said: “The study shows clearly that increased volumes of traffic mean that within 15 years Marlborough will be gridlocked on a regular basis.

“The sheer weight of traffic will cause those stoppages, not roadworks.”

Traffic in Marlborough (Image: Newsquest) The study found that potential solutions like traffic lights at the junction of Salisbury Road, George Lane, and the A4 could potentially worsen the current situation.

Town councillors have insisted that doing nothing “is not an option” and have pledged to work with Wiltshire Council and the Department for Transport to reduce traffic on the A346 through the town in both directions.

They added: “Marlborough’s Wiltshire Councillors have recognised that doing nothing is not an option and that the only option available to reduce the volume of traffic is to de-prime the north/south A346.

“This would bring relief to Marlborough and surrounding villages.

“They are looking at how to engage with relevant authorities to investigate the feasibility of doing this, and the study will provide good evidence for the need to do so.”