Council updates on Winsley road closure to build shared use path

Wiltshire Council is enabling safer journeys on foot or by bike between Winsley and Bradford on Avon with the construction of a new shared use path along the B3108 Winsley Road.

Once completed in September, the new path, which will be suitable for both pedestrians and cyclists, will make journeys easier and safer for children travelling to and from local schools, and also provide a safer route from the village into Bradford on Avon.

Cllr Dr Mark McClelland, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: This new shared use path will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and it is particularly beneficial for children going to and from school.

We know that when people choose to walk or cycle instead of taking the car, it can improve their health, reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality, and by making journeys on foot or by bike safer and more accessible, this shared use path will give more people the option to leave the car at home.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the road closure while the work is going on, and I would urge people to check our website for more information on suitable diversions. We have timed the work for the summer holidays to try to minimise disruption as much as we can, and we also have our teams working longer hours to get the job done as soon as possible.

Our business plan mission states that Wiltshire is a place where we stay active, we are safe, we take responsibility for the environment, and we have vibrant-well connected communities, and this new active travel route helps to bring all these benefits.

The work to build the shared use path will proceed in three phases. The first phase, starting on 4 July until 24 July, will see the closure of Bradford Road in Winsley, to the west of the B3108. During this period, all traffic can use the B3108 Winsley Road.

The second phase, from 13-24 July, will see work on the B3108 roundabout, with two-way traffic signals in place and Bradford Road remaining closed to facilitate this. The final phase, which begins on 25 July to 2 September, will see Bradford Road reopen, but the B3108 Winsley Road will be closed to motor vehicles. The road will still be open to cyclists and pedestrians during this time and all local businesses will remain trading as normal.

The council has instigated additional measures to minimise the duration of the construction, including having two teams working for the duration; extending the working day and Saturdays; plus using alternative construction techniques and tools to speed up the kerb removals and resurfacing.

Residents that live within the closure will have access throughout the duration of the works, as will farm vehicles that need to access points along the route.

To find out more about the scheme, including detailed FAQs, people should go to: www.wiltshire.gov.uk/highways-new-active-travel-schemes