New restrictions to ease traffic issues related to A36 closure

Wiltshire Council is working closely with both Bath & North East Somerset Council (B&NES) and National Highways to bring in new route restrictions and weight limits while the roadworks are taking place.

The A36 Warminster Road has been closed in the Limpley Stoke area since August as National Highways, which manages the A36, is carrying out essential safety improvements to stabilise the embankment and keep the southbound carriageway safe.

The A36 is closed between Monkton Combe and Limpley Stoke until next spring. (Image: Trevor Porter)

Since the closure, there has been an increase in traffic on the narrow, minor roads through Limpley Stoke, creating a potential danger to pedestrians in the village. There has also been an increase in through traffic in Bradford on Avon.

Wiltshire Council leader, Cllr Richard Clewer said: “We know that the closure of the A36 is causing traffic issues through Limpley Stoke and Bradford on Avon, and that’s why we’re working with both National Highways and B&NES on these changes to the local road network to improve the situation.

“However, it’s important to note that these solutions will not be perfect, and there still will be some disruption for the local people, as is the nature of any large-scale highways project.

“There have also been increases in traffic in other Wiltshire towns and villages, and where we can, we will work with National Highways on this, but there are no easy answers when a major road is closed, as the A36 currently is.”

Drivers trying to use alternative routes via the B3108 and narrow village lanes have caused congestion in Limpley Stoke, Freshford and Bradford on Avon. (Image: Trevor Porter)

To help improve the situation, the following restrictions and changes to the road network will be introduced later this week (w/c Monday, September 23) and will be in place for the duration of the A36 closure:

• Lower Stoke, junction with the B3108: full closure southbound, except for emergency vehicles, buses and refuse vehicles.
• All access into Limpley Stoke: 20mph speed limit.
• Abbey Lane near Freshford, junction with the A36: 7.5T weight restriction; 13ft 4in (4.1m) height restriction; 20mph speed limit.
• Ashes Lane, junction with the A36: 7.5T weight restriction; 13ft 4in (4.1m) height restriction; 20mph speed limit.
• Midford Lane, junction with the A36: 6ft 6in (2m) width restriction.
• Church Lane, junction with the A36: 7.5T weight restriction; 13ft 4in (4.1m) height restriction; 6ft 6in (2m) width restriction; 20mph speed limit.
• Rosemary Lane: only access to Freshford from the east; 7.5T weight restriction; 13ft 4in (4.1m) height restriction; 6ft 6in (2m) width restriction; 20mph speed limit.
• B3108: from junction with the A36 to the roundabout at the junction with Winsley Road, speed limits from 40mph to 30mph and 50mph to 40 mph.
• B3108: Extra height restrictions to reduce the risk of bridge strikes on Winsley Hill.
• A4 at Bathampton: Additional signage to increase adherence to the official diversion route and reduce displaced traffic going through Bradford on Avon.

HGV and other drivers have been using SatNavs to find alternative routes to avoid the A36 closure. (Image: Trevor Porter)

Sean Walsh, Route Manager for National Highways, said: “We’re working closely with our local authority partners to manage the displaced traffic associated with our A36 closure, while seeking to keep the local road network safe and operable.

“We fully recognise and understand that these further measures are disruptive for some people, and we do empathise.

“These changes and any future modifications will improve safety in some of the most impacted localities and we appreciate people’s patience while we progress this challenging and essential scheme as quickly as possible.”

The work on the A36 is due to be completed in spring 2025.