A SET of temporary traffic lights on Spa Road that are due to stay until 18th December are causing ‘gridlock havoc’ with tailbacks stretching back a mile or more at times, residents have said. Because of the hold-ups, traffic is trying to find alternative routes, which is then causing gridlocks in other areas across town.
The traffic lights have been installed in Melksham East by the roundabout under construction to link Basil Drive with Spa Road and are causing problems, particularly during school runs and rush hours, with delays of up to 40 minutes.
Wiltshire Council said the traffic lights will be in place until December while BT Openreach undertakes works which, they say, will enable the new roundabout to be constructed next year. The new BT chamber is being installed on what is currently a carriageway but will become a grass verge after the construction of the roundabout.
But residents have aired frustration at the volume of ‘gridlocked’ traffic the lights are causing and the length of time journeys are now taking.
30-minute tailbacks
“This is madness, the lights are meaning tailback for 30 minutes on some days, it’s havoc,” says one resident. “I am not sure if it’s the builders, BT or the council that managed to mess this all up but whoever it is, it needs to get rectified. There are lights in other parts of Melksham as well, so all over town we seem to just be stuck. Planning clearly wasn’t high on the agenda here from Wiltshire Council when they just said yes to all this work.”
40-minute journey
Another resident said, “It’s taken me 40 minutes to get from by the Water Meadow over to Melksham Oak school and it’s just ridiculous. We’re leaving early enough in the morning but seem to just sit in traffic jams. I could get to another town in the time it’s now taking me to get across town. Surely, we can’t go until December with it like this? It’s such a horrible way for everyone to start their day.”
Wiltshire Council cabinet member for transport, Cllr Caroline Thomas said, “Following reports of delays, we’ve extended the time that temporary traffic lights are manually controlled from peak times only to 7 am to 6 pm daily.
“We’re aware of the impact of any delays and we continue to monitor the situation with BT Openreach, who are undertaking the works. We thank people for their patience while these essential works are carried out.”
The roundabout has now been under construction for one year and residents have previously complained about how long the site has been left unfinished.
What do you think?
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