A360 junction overhaul could be forced through by council

Wiltshire Council has been attempting to buy the necessary land to revamp the Black Dog Crossroads, an A360 junction near West Lavington, for some time.

The current plans to increase safety at the crossroads, which has been the scene of dozens of incidents in the last few years, involve realigning the junction to improve sight lines.

But these plans have been stalled over the last year by one landowner who has been reluctant to sell the property needed to complete the work.

Now Cllr Dominic Muns, the cabinet member for waste and environment and representative for the Lavingtons, has announced a compulsory purchase may be carried out to allow the scheme to progress.

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A crash at Black Dog Crossroads last December (Image: Michael Maxwell)

He said: “Despite all efforts to acquire the land we need for the improvements at the main junction, the one remaining landowner continues to refuse to help.

“I’ve had enough of waiting for them to support a project which is so important to our community.

“Officers have now been tasked with compulsory purchase alongside an exploration of alternative options.”

The alterations to Black Dog Crossroads have been a controversial subject locally.

Last year Wiltshire mother Kimberley Brown called for change after a crash wrote off her car and left her scared to drive in the area.

While the council is moving forward with its plans for realignment, many residents have called for traffic lights to be installed.

Road safety campaigner Michael Maxwell previously told this paper that traffic lights are the only measure that would effectively slow vehicles and improve safety.

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A crash at Black Dog Crossroads last summer (Image: Ian Brewitt)

But Wiltshire Council insists realigning the junction is “the most appropriate form of improvement.”

It is hoped that work will begin on the project within six months of the completion of the land acquisition.

In the meantime, Cllr Muns has announced the “dangerous” spur road to the north of the crossroads will be closed by barriers to prevent further incidents.

Much like the main junction, the trunk road has been the scene of a number of crashes.

He added: “I’m very pleased to announce that the Regulation Order I’ve been seeking has been sealed.

“This order will close the dangerous spur road north of Black Dog.

“It comes into effect on Monday, May 20. Signage and barriers will be installed as soon as possible after the 20th.”