Pedestrian improvements in Trowbridge town centre progressing well

The first phase of improvement works at Manvers Street, Fore Street and Wicker Hill in Trowbridge town centre is progressing well.

This has seen Wicker Hill benefit from improved pedestrian space, wider, newly surfaced footpaths, tree planting, soft landscaping and improved street lighting. On Manvers Street, there have been changes to the existing wall in preparation for new bus shelter provision, wider footpaths and opening up the area through Manvers House to create a more inviting environment for pedestrians.

The second phase of the works will see the widening and surfacing of footpaths on Wicker Hill and Fore Street continue, along with the formation of parking and loading bays and street furniture. During Phase 2, repairs will also be made to the highway drainage system and carriageway reconstruction and resurfacing will be completed to resolve historic issues.

Due to the nature of the works and the local environment, temporary traffic management will be used to ensure that safe access is maintained for members of the public, businesses, residents and the contractor (Milestone Infrastructure).

This phase will commence on Monday 13 May 2024 and is expected to be complete by late Summer 2024. During this time, the following temporary traffic management measures will be in place:

• A road closure on Castle Street (part) Fore Street (part) and Wicker Hill
• Temporary reversal of the one-way for vehicles on Manvers Street to allow through movement as well as access/egress for residents. Alternative bus stops will be provided nearby and will be clearly signed.
• Restriction of parking to introduce temporary 'no waiting and no loading at any time' through the areas
• Introduction of temporary loading bay facilities to accommodate delivery requirements
• Vehicles will be temporarily permitted to turn left from Market Street onto Castle Street
• Vehicles will be temporarily permitted to turn right from Fore Street onto Manvers Street

The works will be undertaken during the day (7am to 7pm), six days a week (Monday to Saturday). Road resurfacing will likely be undertaken overnight at the end of the phase. More information on this will be issued nearer the time.

During the works period, access to residential and businesses may be temporarily restricted due to site operations. Through traffic will not be permitted to use Wicker Hill and access through Castle Street from its junction with Market Street, Fore Street and Manvers Street will be restricted to delivery vehicles and those with legitimate access needs only. A fully signed diversion route for through traffic will be in place.

Cllr Nick Holder, Wiltshire Council's Cabinet Member for Highways, Street Scene and Flooding, said: "One of our key priorities is to have vibrant, well-connected communities and it's great to see this latest scheme funded from the government's £16 million investment in Trowbridge via the Future High Streets Fund progressing so well.

"We recognise that road improvements of this scale do cause some disruption and we apologise for any inconvenience in advance. Our contractor will remain in close contact with businesses that are affected by the phases of works to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times. Dedicated Traffic Management operatives will monitor access, assist motorists and pedestrians, as well as look after the safety of the travelling public and the workforce on site.

"I would like to reassure everyone that businesses in the area are open as usual."

To find out more about the schemes, including further information about traffic management and access, people can visit Future High Streets Fund Trowbridge.