Town centre roads close for improvement scheme

A wide view of historic buildings in Trowbridge town centreImage source, Getty Images
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The works aim to improve the experience of walking into and around the town centre

  • Published

A popular route into a town centre will be closed as the second phase of a scheme to improve pedestrian routes gets underway.

Manvers Street, Fore Street and Wicker Hill in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, are being revamped with £16m from the Future High Streets Fund.

Until the start of September, Wicker Hill, from Manvers Street to Town Bridge, will be closed to all traffic while footpaths are widened and street furniture is installed.

Repairs will be also made to the highway drainage system and carriageway reconstruction, and resurfacing will be completed to resolve historic issues.

Image source, Google
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Wicker Hill will be closed to through traffic whilst works are ongoing

According to Wiltshire Council, the majority of the works will be undertaken during the day from 07:00 to 19:00 BST, spanning six days a week.

However, road resurfacing will likely be undertaken overnight towards the end of the project.

Traffic management measures will be implemented, including a reversal of the one way system on Manvers Street and alternative bus stops nearby. A fully signed diversion route for through traffic will be in place.

Councillor Nick Holder, the council's cabinet member for highways, street scene and flooding, said: "One of our key priorities is to have vibrant, well-connected communities.

Image source, Wiltshire Council
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Mr Holder said "it's great to see" the high street improvements "progressing so well"

"We recognise that road improvements of this scale do cause some disruption and we apologise for any inconvenience in advance," Mr Holder continued.

"Our contractor will remain in close contact with businesses that are affected by the phases of works to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.

"Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times. Dedicated Traffic Management operatives will monitor access, assist motorists and pedestrians, as well as look after the safety of the travelling public and the workforce on site."

Mr Holder added that businesses in the area will be open as usual. However, access to residential and businesses may be temporarily restricted due to site operations.

The work is expected to be complete by late summer 2024.

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