Melksham by-pass news

Wiltshire Council’s cabinet has approved plans for a non-statutory engagement exercise into a proposed A350 bypass around Melksham and will be seeking the views of residents, businesses, town and parish councils, and other stakeholders on the progress made so far, and the proposed route options.  The council will present the progress of the project so far at the Melksham Area Board public meeting on Wednesday 4 November (7pm).   Cllr Bridget Wayman, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “This marks the next step towards a bypass for Melksham that would create a more reliable, less congested transport network; support economic and planned development growth at key locations; reduce air pollutants and emissions from transport; and also improve safety for all road users.  … it is important to note that at this stage, all route options are indicative and do not show the exact route that any road may take.  The specifics of any preferred route will be subject to full consultation in 2021.”  There is more detail here.

What is not indicated in the Wiltshire Council statement is that it has been exploring a 4th option for the route.  This would be a dual carriageway from Beanacre running round Bowerhill to the Littleton roundabout (where the current Semington by-pass crosses the A361).  This 4-lane road would be a by-passes of the current by-pass and would once again split the parish.   It would involve crossing both the Kennet and Avon and Semington Brook and crossing land prone to flooding.