MONKTON Hill will reopen to traffic from Monday (September 20) following monitoring of the Station Hill and New Road junction, and local feedback.

The road was originally closed in 2020 to allow for pedestrians and cyclists to effectively socially distance.

Since then, the council has installed traffic lights at the junction of Station Hill and New Road to make crossing “safer and to improve traffic flows in the area”.

But as social distancing is no longer required the council are removing this measure and reopening the road to vehicles.

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Cabinet member for transport, Dr Mark McClelland said: “This is one of many changes we have made as a result of feedback we have received about the junction, and it will help to reduce pressure and queuing times at the signal junction, particularly at peak times.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the new traffic lights in the Chippenham Western Arches area and we hope this will go some way to resolving the issue.”

The council said it would continue to monitor the flow of traffic at Station Hill. 

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Chippenham MP, Michelle Donelan said: “I have been pushing for Monkton Hill to be reopened to cars for months, I am delighted by this action from the council. 

“The situation with cars using St Mary’s Place was dangerous and this is a good first step forward in sorting the traffic issues around Station Hill and New Road.”