Delayed relief road to 'open by end of November'

Residents have previously spoken out about their frustrations caused by the delays

A long-awaited relief road should open by the end of November, a council has said.

The Melksham East Relief Road (MERR), which is an extension of Eastern Way and will connect two parts of the Wiltshire town, was originally due to open in 2022.

Councillor Phil Alford, cabinet member for housing, has now confirmed on social media that the route will open before Christmas. He said that "essential safety checks" are currently being carried out.

A Wiltshire Council spokesperson added that they expect any "final issues" to be resolved "before the end of November".

Locals had previously raised safety fears about the dangers posed to local school children by the regular transit of heavy goods vehicles on nearby roads and the accompanying noise pollution.

Resident Gary Fossey said: “Residents living along and just off Snowberry Lane have been campaigning for the opening of MERR for nearly two years."

The new road's primary purpose is to ease traffic congestion in neighbouring streets

Councillor Nick Holder confirmed that the traffic regulation orders (TROs) for MERR have been approved and they are now being ‘sealed’ – the final step in the legal process.

“The roundabout works, two signal-controlled toucan pedestrian crossings and street lighting are nearing completion and will be subject to inspections by council officers and a road safety audit.

“We are working hard to resolve these final issues before the road can re-open, and we are on track for this to be completed before the end of November," he added.