Council outlines plans to improve ‘eastern gateway’ into Trowbridge

The work to improve safety on the busy commuter route along The Halve and Roundstone Street will take place next year after residents complained about speeding traffic.

Council consultants are looking at proposals to provide improved access to The Halve and Roundstone Street, including Lovemead car park in Duke Street.

They hope to make alterations to the road layout next year as part of broader public realm enhancements using government funds.

Wiltshire Council is planning to make improvements in Roundstone Street, Trowbridge, next year. (Image: Trevor Porter)

Cllr Nick Holder, Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for highways, said: “Roundstone Street has been earmarked as a key location for pedestrian improvements in Trowbridge town centre.

“While the work has not yet been scheduled, we anticipate it could start early next year.

“This initiative will complement the ongoing enhancement projects at Wicker Hill and Manvers Street, as well as the recently completed improvements at Castle Street and the junction of Church Street and Union Street.

“We have been successful in bidding for Active Travel England funding to deliver a parallel crossing on The Halve.

“This will replace the existing informal crossing point close to the junction with the A361 and provide a formal crossing for use by pedestrians and cyclists.”

Wiltshire Council is also planning to make improvements in The Halve, Trowbridge, next year. (Image: Trevor Porter)

The eastern gateway roads are now much busier as a result of road closures in the town centre for Future High Street Fund improvements.

The council has been awarded £100,000 from the Active Travel England Fund 4 extension to make the changes.

Consultants Atkins Realis are proposing to provide a new junction layout in Roundstone Street with Polebarn Road, including a new pedestrian crossing point.

They also hope to improve pedestrian access by providing wider footpaths and reinforcing the route along Roundstone Street.

There would also be new pedestrian crossing points by the 7 Days convenience store and in Yerbury Street close to the junction.

The improvements are scheduled to take place in Roundstone Street and The Halve in Trowbridge next year. (Image: Trevor Porter)

On-street parking restrictions on The Halve are now in place. The council also plans to install a parallel zebra crossing point to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

The proposed improvements would provide enhanced connections to the cycle link on the A361 Hilperton Road to encourage sustainable travel.

AtkinsRealis are investigating the potential to provide improved access to the Lovemead car park through alterations to the existing ramp arrangements.

They have also suggested the benefits of opening up the view when approaching the town centre to show off local historic buildings.