Plans for the proposed Melksham bypass remain on hold, with Wiltshire Council saying progress depends on the outcome of a transport plan being developed with National Highways.
The council’s preferred route for the bypass – running east of Melksham and around Bowerhill – was first put to public consultation in 2021. At the time, it was estimated to cost £146million. But figures released by the Department for Transport (DfT) in 2022 revealed that the price had already jumped to £238million. Wiltshire Council would be expected to contribute more than £36million, with the remainder reliant on government support.
The DfT subsequently said it would wait for the findings of the M4 to Dorset Coast Strategic Study before determining next steps.
That study, published earlier this year, confirmed the A350, which runs through Melksham, as the preferred route for traffic between the M4 and the south coast.
Council leader Cllr Ian Thorn confirmed that Wiltshire Council is now preparing a response to the study while working with National Highways and neighbouring authorities on a corridor-wide delivery plan.
Cllr Thorn said, “Wiltshire Council is assessing the study’s findings and working with National Highways and neighbouring authorities to develop a corridor-wide delivery plan. This plan will outline key interventions aimed at improving traffic flow and relieving pressure along the route. Any future improvements will be subject to detailed evaluation and the availability of Government funding.
“The Road Investment Strategy focuses on enhancements to the Strategic Road Network. The study recommends trunking the A350, which would make it eligible for future Road Investment Strategy funding. In the meantime, there may be opportunities for Wiltshire Council to secure funding through other Department for Transport programmes, including the Major Road Network and Large Local Majors schemes.
“Wiltshire Council is already progressing improvements to the A350 at Chippenham, and a scheme to enhance traffic flow at Yarnbrook has been approved as part of a local housing development. Work on a solution for Melksham remains on hold pending the outcome of the corridor-wide delivery plan.”
Pictured: the busy A350 through Melksham
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