Multiple projects under the Chippenham Station Hub scheme will be started over the coming months.

Wiltshire Council and the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SWLEP) are planning transport improvements around New Road and Station Hill, Chippenham over the coming months.

Cabinet member for highways and transport, Bridget Wayman said: “The improvements are part of the Chippenham Station Hub redevelopment project which will contribute to our Business Plan priority to boost the local economy through the regeneration of this strategic site.

“In January 2020 SWLEP approved £1.98m for the design and construction of these improvements and the wider package of measures.

“The aim of the improvements is to improve junction capacity and provide better facilities for both cyclists and pedestrians.

“We are currently consulting on the proposed changes and it is anticipated that works will start in late January, subject to any changes necessary following consultation responses.”

Consultation on the proposed improvements in New Road and Station Hill, Chippenham runs from 19 November until 14 December.

The main elements include of the Chippenham Hub Station Hub project are:

Traffic Signals and cycle improvements

• Introduction of traffic signals at the New Road and Station Road junction with associated cycle infrastructure (Advanced Stop Lines, cycle lanes, low-level cycle signals).

• The Chippenham Transport Strategy (2016) identifies congestion at the Station Hill/New Road junction as a key issue for the town, both at present and with planned development growth. The introduction of signals at this location should improve journey time reliability.

Crossings

• An upgraded pedestrian crossing on Marshfield Road to a toucan crossing (outside Bewley House)

• Conversion of the existing zebra crossing to toucan crossing on Marshfield Road (outside St Paul’s House)

Parking Alterations

Changes to parking to safely accommodate the new traffic signals scheme and improved facilities for cyclists and pedestrians. They include:

• Replacement of time-limited parking outside of The British Heart Foundation / Brunel Public House with a dedicated loading bay (time limited to 30 minutes, 8am to 6pm Monday to Saturday). Outside of this time period it will be free for all vehicles to use.

• Removal of time-limited parking on Station Hill, outside of Sacred Symbols and Health Thai Massage (approximately three spaces) and replaced with No Waiting at Any Time restrictions.

• Introduction of a new Taxi Clearway outside of Goughs Solicitors & Grafton Jones.

• Introduction of additional on-street time-limited parking on Monkton Hill (2 hours, no return 2 hours, 8am to 6pm Monday to Saturday) (Additional three spaces approximately)

• Removal of No Waiting at Any Time restrictions on The Bridge outside of E11evn & Zheng Kitchen to provide additional time-limited parking (30 minutes, no return within 30 minutes, 8am to 6pm Monday to Saturday). Approximately two spaces and one disabled parking bay (1 hour, no return 2 hours, 8am to 6pm Monday to Saturday).

• Introduction of additional 24 hour loading ban to the existing No Waiting at Any Time restriction for New Road, from Western Arches to Froghamshire, and for a section of Station Hill from its junction with New Road to the start of the remaining on-street parking. This is to ensure that the traffic signal approaches and exits are kept clear and so that the cycleways are kept unobstructed.

• Resurfacing of the carriageway for New Road, and parts of Station Hill (area shaded in grey).

The Gazette & Herald would love to hear from you for its next article on the Chippenham Station Hub

To get in touch with your views, please email matthew.mclaughlin@newsquest.co.uk