A4 traffic delays expected during eight weeks of Wilshire roadworks

Wiltshire Council has confirmed the timeline for roadworks to improve two pedestrian crossings on the A4 in Box, which will last for eight weeks and include some night closures.

The scheme comes after concerns were raised by Box Primary School about the safety of pupils using the crossings.

Construction will begin on Monday, July 22, at the existing zebra crossing on the A4 High Street, which will be upgraded to a puffin signal-controlled crossing.

This phase of the works will also include improvements to the adjacent footways and carriageway surface and is expected to take around three weeks to complete.

Once this is finished, a second project will start on the A4 London Road to refurbish the zebra crossing, install a new bus shelter, and upgrade the street furniture.

READ MORE: Key Wiltshire A-road set to close during council refurbishment

The crossing on the A4 London Road in Box (Image: Google Maps)

The central refuge islands in the road will also be removed and footways will be widened.

This part of the work will start on Monday, August 12, and is expected to take around five weeks.

During these eight weeks of work, traffic management will be in place on the key A-road through the village.

This will involve two-way traffic signals and temporary pedestrian crossings.

The A4 will be closed during the evenings from Monday, July 22, until Friday, July 26.

During the second phase, there will be no access to the A-road from Mill Lane or Bulls Lane, with localised diversions in place.

Cllr Nick Holder, cabinet member for highways, apologised for any delays caused by the roadworks but emphasised the London Road crossing needed an upgrade.

SEE ALSO: A36 set to close in Wiltshire for National Highways work

He said: “We apologise in advance for any inconvenience or delays caused by these works, but it is essential to refurbish and upgrade these pedestrian crossings, making them both safer for all road users.

“Box Primary School has expressed concerns about the safety of their pupils with the current layout and the crossing at London Road has been in place for a number of years and is in need of upgrading.

“As part of our business plan, we are committed to making improving safety and investing in Wiltshire’s roads, and this refurbishment project helps to achieve these aims.”

Once the crossing improvement schemes are completed, carriageway surfacing work is scheduled to take place.

This is expected to be delayed until October, when temporary evening closures will be in place, to avoid clashing with a National Highways scheme that will shut the A36.