DISCUSSIONS are ongoing to find a way of preventing the closure of a major road in Royal Wootton Bassett while the electrification of the Great Western Line takes place.

Network Rail has said five bridges in and around the town will need to be shut, including the Skew Bridges on the main road to Lyneham.

Many people have said this will leave the town effectively cut off, with any reasonable alternative routes not being practical for large or heavy volumes of traffic.

Work was initially set to start on the bridges early this year but this has been held off while discussions take place.

Alternatives include building a temporary diversion road or lowering the rail track as opposed to raising the bridge which is currently the plan.

Brian Mathew, the Liberal Democrat prospective Parliamentary candidate for North Wiltshire, says it is important that whatever happens people are not isolated.

He said: “They are still deciding over whether to put in a temporary road to link around to Marlborough Road but they will need £2 million to do that.

“Another possibility is to lower the track but Network Rail Risk being fined because it will mean closing the main route between Paddington and the South West.

“Simply closing the road will cut off not only commuters but also emergency services. They need to find a solution soon. I have spoken to quite a few people and there is frustration at the uncertainty.”

As well as the Skew Bridges, the Marlborough Bridge and Chaddington Lane Bridge are also scheduled to close at some point. Work on Callow Bridge near Brinkworth, which is classed as in the Royal Wootton Bassett area, will start at the end of March.

Last week, Network Rail completed work on a footbridge in the town, with the organisation saying talks are continuing on how to progress with the rest of the work.

A spokesman said: “Following the reopening of Templars Firs footbridge this week, there are five bridges in Royal Wootton Bassett that still require essential work to prepare them for electrification. As publicised, work on Callow Hill Bridge will start at the end of March.

“In relation to the other bridges, we are continuing to work closely with the council to agree a suitable timescale for this work and look at ways to minimise disruption to residents while it is being completed.”

As part of the electrification work, Stratton Green Bridge in Swindon may have to close again for more work.