MOTORISTS have been warned to steer clear of the A4 Cross Keys Inn junction at Corsham while the essential work is taking place from next week.

They have been told to expect disruption while the essential work is taking place to replace ageing traffic signals as well as some resurfacing improvements.

The work will be carried out in two phases and is due to get underway from Monday July 22 and will last up to eight weeks.

The first phase will see new traffic signals installed to replace the current system. To minimise delay to traffic using the A4, the contractor will use the space available on the road to maintain unrestricted two-way traffic flow. There will be a temporary 40mph limit as the lane widths will be reduced.

East and westbound traffic will be able to pass through the works for the majority of the time they are carried out. To enable unrestricted travel on the A4 it will be necessary to close both of the side roads to all traffic, from Cross Keys Road and Biddestone Road. This will mean that vehicles won’t be able to access the A4, nor will traffic be able to turn from the A4, into these roads.

While these measures are in place, clear diversion signs will be out. These closures will operate 24 hours a day for the full duration of the works. There may be some periods when two-way signals are used on the A4 due to some work contractors need to carry out.

The second phase of work will see surfacing improvements take place overnight. During this, it will be necessary to close all roads at the junction to complete these activities, this is in addition to the measures in place for phase one, which will continue to operate outside of the full closure period.

To mitigate against the impact on the network, work will take place between 8pm and 6am. Given the nature of traffic on the A4, the diversionary route requires traffic to follow the A4 / A46 / A420 / A350 (and vice versa). These works are expected to last for five nights.

Bridget Wayman, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for highways, said: “Traditionally the roads are quieter during the school summer break so that’s why this work has been scheduled towards the end of July. We know roadworks are frustrating but unfortunately there’s no way to carry out these improvements without causing some disruption.

“We ask for people’s patience and understanding during this time and apologise for the disruption, but the end result will be worth it. As a council we continue to significantly invest in our road network and we are fully committed to making as many improvements as possible.”

A dedicated webpage has been set-up and will provide updates and information on the improvements – http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/highways-improvements-a4-cross-keys-Corsham