A3102 junctions in Wiltshire could be redeveloped by council

Wiltshire Council has launched a major road safety improvement project on the A3102, which runs from junction 16 of the M4, near Swindon, to the A350 at Melksham, via Royal Wootton Bassett and Calne.

The council says there was a high number of fatal and serious collisions on the key route between 2014 and 2019.

A woman recently died following a crash on the road which occurred on February 26 and police are now seeking witnesses to the incident.

The route was identified as a target area by the Road Safety Foundation after analysis, and the first stage of work on the £7 million scheme began last December.

This will involve the removal of vegetation but up to four junctions along the road could also be redesigned as part of the plans.

The junctions that could be overhauled, depending on cost, include those with Stoneover Lane at Royal Wootton Bassett, Stanier Road at Calne, and the A342 Northern and Southern junctions.

Wiltshire Council has not yet determined how the junctions will be redesigned.

The southern junction of the A3102 and the A342 in Wiltshire (Image: Google Maps)

Cllr Caroline Thomas, cabinet member for transport, said “We have been granted nearly £7m to help us make the A3102 in Wiltshire safer for road users.

“The scheme will include a range of safety measures, such as improving signage and road markings, and redesigning some junctions.

“How the junctions will be redesigned is currently being determined.

“Whether we can proceed with all junction improvements will depend on costs and the extent of underground utility diversions required. Further details will be published this summer.”

Cllr Thomas believes that the current phase of the work will help to improve visibility along the A3102, reducing the risk of crashes.

It is hoped the project, which is due to be completed by 2025, will reduce fatalities and serious injuries over the next 20 years.

Cllr Thomas added: “We started preliminary works in December, focusing on cutting back hedges and trees to improve visibility at various points along the road, particularly at junctions.

“This involved removal of vegetation and self-seeding trees that had established in the verge, to ensure sufficient forward visibility for driver safety and to ensure signs are unobstructed.

“The visibility from side roads will also be reinstated so that drivers have a clear view of oncoming traffic.

“This work will be carried out in the early part of this year to avoid the bird nesting season.”