Engagement to start soon on plans to improve three Salisbury junctions for motorists, cyclists and walkers

Wiltshire Council is due to begin a non-statutory consultation and engagement exercise on proposed improvements to three road junctions in the Salisbury area later this month.

The proposals would see Exeter Street roundabout, Harnham Gyratory, and Park Wall junction all reconfigured to increase capacity, improve journey times and reduce queues for motor vehicles, while at the same time improving facilities for walking and cycling and linking the city's active travel routes.

The consultation will begin on Thursday 17 June, with a presentation at the online Salisbury Area Board meeting, at 6pm. People are welcome to attend this meeting to find out more about the scheme and ask questions.

Following the area board, there will be two public webinars that people can sign up for in advance to ask questions and find out more. The consultation and engagement exercise will end at 11.59pm on Sunday 18 July.

Cllr Dr Mark McClelland, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: "The proposals to improve these three junctions in Salisbury are at an early stage, which is why we want to engage with the public now to hear their views.

"The plans will significantly improve the junctions for motor vehicles, as the junctions will be widened to increase capacity and reduce congestion and improve journey times.

"The improvements will also boost cycling and walking in the city, linking with other key routes and residential areas, and making it easier to get around Salisbury by bike and on foot.

"If approved, the project is expected to cost around £15m, which is significant investment to improve the city of Salisbury.

"The views of the public and stakeholders in the city will be used along with other criteria to help form the Outline Business Case (OBC) that we will take to the Department for Transport (DfT).

"DfT will then review the OBC and decide whether to award funding for the project, with a decision expected by the end of the year. If approved, we would then put together a Full Business Case and work would start in autumn 2023 and be completed in winter 2024 - though of course, these dates could change.

"This is part of a range of projects in Salisbury that will help to reinvigorate the city - these include the Future High Street Fund projects to improve Fisherton Street and the station welcome for visitors; the River Park project to alleviate flooding and provide leisure facilities; and the development of a cultural quarter in the city - plus much more.

"I'd urge anyone in Salisbury and the surrounding areas with an interest in improving transport for all in their city to attend the area board, join an online event, or look at the information on our website and take part in this consultation and help secure this investment."

The public engagement events for the project are as follows:
•    Thursday 17 June, 6pm: Salisbury Area Board online meeting
•    Thursday 24 June, 3pm: webinar 1
•    Tuesday 29 June, 6pm: webinar 2

To sign up for the online engagement events, people should go to Salisbury junction improvements.