A346 to close through Marlborough amid traffic fears

The A346 Barn Street, in Marlborough, will be shut at all times from Herd Street, at the junction with St Martins, to the junction with the A4 New Road, from Saturday, February 15.

This closure will last until Friday, February 21, while BT Openreach installs new infrastructure on the route.

Wiltshire Council will also be taking this opportunity to start upgrades to the pedestrian crossing near St Martins.

There are fears that the closure of the main road will cause a traffic nightmare across the week, with the A346 one of the busiest roads through the town.

During the week BT Openreach will be working to repair a damaged manhole cover, and the council will also start their planned works to avoid a second bout of disruption.

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This closure will be followed by the installation of temporary multi-way traffic lights on the road from Monday, February 24, while the council continues work on the crossing.

A temporary pedestrian crossing will also be in place between 9.30am and 2.30pm.

The scheme will upgrade the crossing to puffin technology and includes the installation of an additional traffic signal post to enhance visibility of the crossing, and the replacement of the paving to improve the pedestrian facilities. 

Marlborough Town Council has issued a warning to drivers over the closure and councillors have previously said that the works will cause “major disruption”.

HGV drivers have been informed that the roadworks will effectively close the A346 route through the town but there is concern large vehicles could divert on roads like Kingsbury Street.

Wiltshire Council has taken measures to reduce potential disruption, including scheduling the closure during half term, when there should be less traffic on the town’s roads.

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Cllr Nick Holder, cabinet member for highways, said: “It’s crucial that we upgrade and refurbish pedestrian crossings as they’re a key part of our highways infrastructure, helping to keep all road users safe.

“We have a comprehensive traffic signal refurbishment programme in place to help us monitor when traffic signals hit the end of their design life and the crossing on Herd Street meets this criteria.

“We’re taking advantage of the road closure by coordinating these works and scheduling them during half-term to reduce disruption. However, we do apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”