Local News · Trowbridge
Trowbridge roadworks trigger school warnings as traffic delays hit pupils
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
The closure of West Ashton Road is causing significant congestion, prompting warnings from local schools and frustration among commuters.
Drivers in Trowbridge are facing significant travel delays as the B3105 West Ashton Road remains closed for roadworks until December 4. The ongoing disruption has forced local schools to warn parents about the impact of the congestion on their children's education.
The closure, required for the construction of a new entrance for a housing development, involves substantial road infrastructure improvements including carriageway widening, new drainage, lighting, and signage. The project has resulted in a signed diversion route covering 7.73km, which adds significant time to journeys that would normally take around 10 minutes.
Clarendon School has formally contacted parents and carers to address a significant rise in student lateness since the start of the term. The school highlighted that pupils missing the start of the day are often absent for tutor sessions, assemblies, and crucial reading activities, which can negatively affect their overall learning and wellbeing. Families have been urged to plan ahead by departing earlier, using alternative routes, or identifying drop-off points that avoid the worst of the congestion.
The disruption has been met with frustration from local motorists who have reported journeys taking up to an hour due to the volume of traffic attempting to navigate the area. Concerns have been raised regarding the coordination of multiple roadwork schemes across the town, with residents questioning the timing and cumulative impact of the current projects.
Wiltshire Council stated that they recognise the disruption caused by the works and are monitoring the network daily. David Bullock, director for highways, confirmed that traffic signal timings have been adjusted at the Longfield Gyratory to assist with the flow of traffic diverted from West Ashton Road, particularly on County Way from Bradley Road. The council indicated that permanent traffic signals across the wider Trowbridge area have been under review to manage the ongoing programme.
While the council maintains that works are coordinated to minimise impact, they acknowledged that unforeseen engineering issues have occasionally extended the duration of specific schemes. No through route for emergency vehicles is currently possible during the closure, and motorists are advised to continue following signed diversion routes until the works are completed in December.
Source: Wiltshire Times — Trowbridge · View original