CONTRACTORS due to start work on the A419 have pledged to keep any traffic disruption to a minimum.

A number of schemes are planned for the dual carriageway between Swindon and Cricklade over the next few weeks.

But most of the work will take place overnight to keep traffic delays to a minimum. One scheme involves improved access for eight Cricklade homes between the Castle Eaton and Cricklade junctions of the A419.

Contractors, Lafarge, working for the Highways Agency will spend 24-weeks closing the current access roads which run directly onto the A419. These will be replaced by a new access road.

But the work is unlikely to disrupt the main dual carriageway.

The project will coincide with other projects being undertaken by Road Management Services, employed by Cricklade Town Council.

These include bridge waterproofing work, which will be carried out over two consecutive weekends August 8 to 11 and August 15 to 18.

A week-long road resurfacing project is planned for some areas on the A419. This work will take place during August.

Roads manager Keith Selvin, of Road Manage-ment Services said the work would be unlikely to disrupt traffic in the day.

"We aim to complete each section of work overnight, from 8pm until 6am. It is not in our interests to do otherwise because we would be fined by the Highways Agency if we disrupt the traffic during the day.

" It would be highly unlikely that road users will even notice that work is being carried out."

He said work had been planned in consultation with police to ensure it would not clash with the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford on June 19 and 20.