Angry drivers have described Trowbridge as an ‘absolute nightmare’ and a ‘no-go-town’ after roadworks and road closures caused traffic gridlock during peak hours.
People took to social media to complain after Wiltshire Council gave the go-ahead for several sets of roadworks and closures.
The A363 Bradley Road was closed by the Spitfire Retail Park for four days to Monday, October 28 for “essential resurfacing works”.
There are mains pipe works on the A363 Bradford Road until Friday, November 8, while Wales & West Utilities has closed Stallard Street for emergency repairs to find and fix a gas leak.
READ MORE: Stallard Street in Trowbridge closed for gas works
Manvers Street is closed with access for residents only, although Wiltshire Council says it is on track to reopen in mid-November.
Lastly, the West Ashton Road is closed from the bottom of Leap Gate to the crossroads at West Ashton from Wednesday, October 29 to Friday, November 1.
Residents shared their concern after the Stallard Street closure blocked access to the town centre, with a diversion signposted along Newtown, Mortimer Street, and County Way.
Commenting on the Wiltshire Times Facebook page, Dean Plumley said: “Absolute chaos on Saturday [October 26] with all the other roadworks going on, could have done with someone managing traffic flow at key strategic points.”
Also commenting on Facebook, Ann Wakefield posted: “Yes, I know Trowbridge was in a state on Saturday and Sunday [October 26 and 27] traffic-wise but it's better than a gas explosion surely?”
Someone using the handle S3b on the Times website posted: “Yesterday afternoon the roundabout by McDonald's was open but there were still signs all over town saying the road is closed, absolute nightmare!”
Also commenting on the Times website, Jacqueline Preston said: “I understand that emergency work has to be done and that's fine but just get on with it!
“And maybe some communication between councils and utilities wouldn't go amiss either. Too many major routes closed.
“Trowbridge at the best is a no-go town. Will definitely tell all friends and family not to come anywhere near it for the foreseeable future! Just horrible.”
Anthony Mortimer posted: “North Bradley Road closed, Manvers Street closed, the road by Stallards closed. My advice to everyone is to avoid Trowbridge at all cost.”
Commenting on the Times Facebook page, Rob Howell said: “Plan your journey accordingly. Mortimer Street and County Way are the only two roads to get from one side of Trowbridge to the other.
“The signage is awful, and isn’t clear at all, especially on Bradley Road. There should also be a sign on the entrance of Newtown by Mortimer Street saying the Stallards bridge is closed.
“It’s meaning twice the traffic is driving along Newtown and then back again because they can’t get over the bridge.”
Local businessman, Cllr Edward Kirk, a Trowbridge town and Wiltshire councillor, said: “Whilst I am sure Wiltshire Council’s objective is to plan the necessary Trowbridge road works to cause the minimum amount of confusion and delay. This simply hasn’t worked across Trowbridge.
“Please can the diversion signs provide all the necessary information. The diversion sign on Bradley Road just said Woodmarsh Road closed it did not say that the main ring road to the White Horse Business Park was also closed.
“If that had been made clear then I and many other motorists would not have driven along Bradley Road only to be turned around at the Spitfire Retail Park.
“Perhaps Wiltshire Council Highways could also think more about the overall impact on traffic of multiple road works occurring at the same time.”
Kez Garner, chair of Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce, said: "Businesses are hoping the road works will be finished soon."
Wiltshire Council has since apologised for the 'inconvenience caused'.
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