NETWORK Rail has sought to reassure residents living alongside a temporary road nicknamed “The Flyover” after a public meeting was called to demand answers.

Residents living in Dunington Road, Royal Wootton Bassett have raised fears over the height of the new road, as well the lack of speed, weight and noise controls in place, as well as concerns that the temporary road may be here to stay.

The road has been built by Network Rail to avoid a diversion of more than 30 miles while the bridges over the railway are closed next month as part of the electrification project.

Earlier this month resident Caroline Redmond called a public meeting which was attended by more than 30 concerned residents when they posed questions to Chris Hurst, Wiltshire councillor for Royal Wootton Bassett.

During the meeting Caroline said that the residents of Dunnington Road were very clear that the road was necessary as part of the electrification work of the railway, and was a “sound solution” for the community, but the lack of consideration for residents living alongside the road was concerning.

Now Network Rail has come back with answers to the concerns.

Speaking on the matter of road markings and barriers, a Network Rail spokesman said: “Before residents raised concerns, we were already in the process of conducting a road safety audit that will advise on road markings and barriers and what measures, if any, are required.

“We will address residents’ concerns over privacy along the rear gardens at Dunnington Road by erecting a close-boarded fence.”

The full scale of the road was brought home to residents after a vehicle was spotted on the temporary road, making them realise just how high the road would be, and the knock-on effects associated with this.

Network Rail has said they have also addressed the issues of pollution and the all-important speed limit along the road.

The spokesperson said: “We have constructed open drainage channels which ensure run off passes through an oil interception chamber - approved by the Environment Agency.

“The road is open to all highway traffic and the advisory speed limit is 30mph, with signs reminding motorists of this every 200m. The speed limit on the A3102 Bath Road will be dropped to 40mph from 50mph.

“There will be dropped kerbs provided for pedestrians to cross at the Marlborough Road end. Once the road is open to traffic, this will be assessed for safety of use and if required, additional measures may be installed.”

They have also stressed that as far as they are concerned, the road is designed to be temporary: “Our agreement with Wiltshire Council is for a temporary road only for the duration of our work, which is due to be completed within the next 18 months.

"We have no plans to apply to make the road permanent.

"However, the landowner has every right to submit a planning application for the permanency of the road.”