Plans have been revealed to overhaul the speed limits at key roundabouts on one of Wiltshire’s busiest roads.
Wiltshire Council is running a public consultation on a scheme to introduce lower speed limits at several busy junctions on the A350 at Chippenham and its surrounding roads.
These “safety enhancements” are part of the transformation of the remaining sections of the bypass currently being turned into a dual carriageway.
They include the introduction of 40mph speed limits on the A350 West Cepen Way, A420 Bristol Road, and Stainers Way, around Bumpers Farm Roundabout.
40mph speed limits would also be enforced on the A350 between Chequers and Cepen Park South Roundabouts, and on the A4 Bath Road and Sandown Drive approaching these junctions.
Finally, 50mph zones would be created on the A350 between Southpoint and Lackham Roundabouts and on the B4528 Showell approaching Lackham.
The council says the new restrictions are being considered “in the interest of highway safety” and could improve traffic flow and prevent crashes at multiple roundabouts.
A statement of reasons added: “As part of the A350 dualling project in Chippenham, Wiltshire Council is seeking safety enhancements aimed at improving access and traffic flow.
“These measures are designed to facilitate safer entry and exit at roundabouts and to manage merging traffic more effectively from nearby residential areas onto the A350, thereby enhancing overall safety for road users.”
Temporary speed restrictions are currently in place on sections of the A350 while construction work on the dual carriageway scheme continues.
This construction started in May 2025 and is focused on the stretches of road between Chequers and Lackham Roundabouts, and Bumpers Farm and Cepen Park South Roundabouts.
There will also be upgrades to the capacity of Bumpers Farm Roundabout.
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The works are expected to be completed in the winter of 2026 and will cost around £32 million.
This summer, Cllr Martin Smith, cabinet member for highways, visited the site and spoke of the importance of the project for the future of Chippenham and Wiltshire.
He said: “I was really pleased to visit the site recently and see that the project is progressing well and on track to deliver on time and within budget.
“The A350 is a vital route for Wiltshire and the wider region, and once complete, the dualling will increase capacity, reduce delays, and improve traffic flow – particularly around Bumpers Farm during peak times.”
The speed limit plans will remain under consultation until October 20.
During that time, residents can have their say by completing an online form, emailing trafficorderconsultations@wiltshire.gov.uk, or writing a letter to the Traffic Order Team.
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