Partnership working helps complete Wilton gas and drainage upgrades ahead of schedule

Thanks to the patience and support of Wilton residents and motorists, safety-critical work to upgrade the gas supply in Wilton has been completed ahead of schedule, with drainage repairs and upgrades to traffic signals undertaken at the same time.

A combination of temporary traffic lights and road closures were needed at the A30 Wilton junction with South Street, Silver Street and North Street, to safely replace old cast iron gas mains with new durable plastic pipe, and upgrade the traffic signals.

This essential work was agreed with Wiltshire Council and gas distribution company SGN to ensure the Wilton community receives a continued and reliable gas supply for many years to come.

As the SGN works finished ahead of schedule, Wiltshire Council took the opportunity to work with Wessex Water and the Environment Agency to investigate the surface water drainage within the area. The teams carried out essential repairs and identified some of the problems that have caused drainage issues in Wilton.

This work was completed under the same road restrictions, avoiding the need to close the roads again in the near future. At the same time, the council also repaired surfacing and refreshed the lining while the road was closed. 

The SGN project, which began on Monday 27 April, was completed around two weeks ahead of schedule and this allowed access for Wiltshire Council to carry out the works.

Cllr Bridget Wayman, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: "Thanks to collaborative working between our officers, SGN and our contractors, Atkins, we have been able to complete this project ahead of schedule and improve the gas supply, drainage and traffic signals at the same time.

"This partnership working will help to improve Wilton and prevent future road closures at this site."

SGN Project Manager Steve Crunden said: "Our project was safety-critical and so needed to be undertaken during this sensitive time. I understand that roadworks and diversions are always frustrating but, despite this, we've been overwhelmed with the support we've received from local residents and businesses throughout.

"We were also pleased we could work collaboratively with the local council and WS Atkins to make full use of the restrictions in place and have long-standing drainage issues dealt with at the same time as our gas works."

Becky Perry, Funeral Director from local business Funeral Partners, said: "It was especially challenging for us as with our premises positioned right in the middle and requiring 24/7 access. However, the team working on the ground were absolutely amazing. They were professional, patient, calm and friendly and nothing was too much trouble. They communicated with us all the way, and kept us updated at all times, we really couldn't fault them and they should be commended.

"The work could have been detrimental to our business, but thanks to their efforts our families were not impacted and we were able to continue serving our communities. We would like to personally thank them for all they did for us and for being so patient. We are so very grateful!"