Extra lane on major bypass gets go-ahead

Plans to dual a single-carriageway of a Wiltshire bypass have been approved by government.

Dualling of the A350 Chippenham bypass, which connects the south coast with the M4, Bristol and the Midlands, will cost around £32.3m, with £26.6m coming from funding by central government.

The Department for Transport said, once completed, the changes will shave up to 25% off journey times, reducing air pollution and improving safety.

Councillor Nick Holder, cabinet member for highways at Wiltshire Council, said they would now be able to "get on with delivering the project".

Mr Holder said: "It is important to not just Wiltshire, but also the wider region to move ahead with this project to meet our Business Plan commitment to have well-connected communities."

"The final phases of dualling the A350 in this area will enhance journey times, increase vehicle capacity and help alleviate congestion, while also improving the Bumpers Farm roundabout to increase traffic flows on their roundabout, particularly in the evenings," he added.

The Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said the scheme will boost the economy and improve journeys for locals.

"Drivers on the Chippenham Bypass have experienced unpredictable journey times for too long, which is not good enough for a primary north-south route," she said.

Phil Smith, Managing Director, Business West, said the road improvement will help connectivity and create better access to jobs and aid the transport of goods.

The work is expected to start in the spring, with the hope of completing the project in 2026.

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