A350 roadworks near Chippenham to continue after delays

Speed restrictions and roadworks have been in place on the A350 between the Lackham and Chequers Roundabouts, on the edge of Chippenham, since July 11, 2022.

This includes both 30mph and 40mph speed limits which have been implemented between the two busy roundabouts.

The roadworks are part of a scheme to construct roundabout access to the new Southpoint Business Park and had been due to end on June 30.

But the works have dragged on for more than an additional two months, after the council found the surfacing works carried out by contractors Tercon Ltd, on behalf of developers Baylis Estates, were not up to the required standard.

This was revealed by council leader Cllr Richard Clewer in July.

At the time he said: “Unfortunately the surfacing works carried out by the developer’s contactor did not meet the correct standard so the roadworks and speed restrictions will remain in place while the issue is addressed.

“We are working with the developer’s contractor to complete these remedial works as soon as possible.”

The council has now provided an update on the potential timeline for the beginning of these repairs.

It has confirmed they are expecting a licence application from Baylis Estates to begin remedial works on the busy road in the week commencing Monday, September 18.

If this application is forthcoming, improvement works will begin on the A350 before the current restrictions can be lifted.

No timeline for this project has been confirmed although the council's roadworks map currently lists the end date as September 30.

When completed, the newly constructed roundabout will allow access to the site of Baylis Estates’ new 44-acre industrial estate.

The Southpoint Business Park will provide up to 500,000sq feet of employment space which Baylis Estates say will serve a “range” of uses.

While remedial works are still required along the A350, the developers have advertised on their website that roundabout access to the park has now been completed.

They describe the site as “Chippenham’s new major employment site.”

Both Baylis Estates and Tercon Ltd were contacted for comment but did not respond.

In the meantime, a 30mph speed restriction remains in place from approximately 160 metres North West of the A350 roundabout junction with the B4528, to a point 1100 metres South East of its junction with the A4.

A 40mph zone remains in place for the next 100 metres.