Wiltshire Council issues apology over roadworks in Trowbridge

The apology follows complaints from drivers that the works could have been better managed to prevent traffic gridlock.

Some drivers have described the current situation as an “absolute nightmare” and say Trowbridge is a “no-go town”.

READ MORE: Trowbridge residents share anger at 'traffic nightmare' in town

At times, it has led to the town being gridlocked as drivers follow the signed diversion into Newtown, Mortimer Street and County Way.

The Bristol-based bus company, First Bus, has warned passengers of “severe disruption” to its D1 and D1X services between Trowbridge and Bath.

Traffic congestion in Mortimer Street as drivers try to get to Trowbridge town centre. (Image: Trevor Porter)

Cllr Laura Mayes, Wiltshire Council’s deputy leader, said, “We appreciate that there have been a number of urgent roadworks carried out in Trowbridge recently and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.  

“The Manvers Street closure is part of the ongoing larger-scale Future High Streets works.

“These works have been planned for some time and whilst they are nearing completion, the current open excavations mean that it is not safe to re-open the road temporarily to traffic while the emergency work at Stallard Street takes place.

READ MORE: First Bus warns of 'severe disruption' to Trowbridge services

“Stallard Street is currently closed for urgent gas works. Utilities companies have a legal right to maintain, repair, upgrade and expand their apparatus.

“As the local highway authority, we work hard to coordinate works and minimise disruption for road users, while also accommodating utility companies’ needs to carry out emergency repairs to their systems.

“Our officers are working closely with Wales & West to ensure that these works are completed as quickly as possible.

“We have been repairing and resurfacing the A363 Bradley Road as the road was badly damaged.

“This work was required to make the road safe and we are pleased to report that this work is now complete and the road has reopened."

SEE ALSO: Stallard Street road closure to be extended in Trowbridge

The road closure in Stallard Street has caused traffic congestion and delays - Newtown was one of the areas affected.. (Image: Trevor Porter) The road closure in Stallard Street for urgent works to find and fix a gas leak has led to traffic chaos for the past week.

Now Wiltshire Council has given notice that the Wales & West Utilities work being carried out along Stallard Street has been extended for four days.

The order came into operation on Saturday, October 26 and the closure will now last until Sunday, November 3. 

Drivers queue to get round the Trinity Roundabout in Trowbridge while Stallard Street is closed. (Image: Trevor Porter)

Alan Bickerstaff, Wales & West Utilities gas emergency service manager for Trowbridge, said: 
"We have been working in the Stallard Street area of Trowbridge to repair a number of small leaks on the gas pipe running beneath the road. 

“This has been a complex job and we’ve worked hard to locate and fix a number of leaks. However, we have had to call in a specialist team to fix a particularly difficult section of pipe, and this has taken time, extending our work. 

“This has also meant that on some occasions our engineers have had to work elsewhere, while we wait for the additional resources to arrive. 

“The road that we have dug up remains unsafe, so in agreement with Wiltshire Council and to keep everyone safe, we are unable to reopen Stallard Street until we complete the repair and fully reinstate the road. 

“Once we have fixed this leak, we will then need to fill in the holes that we have dug and give the new road surface time to set. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we expect to reopen the road by Monday (4 Nov). 

“We really are sorry for the inconvenience our work may be causing and we do appreciate the patience and understanding of local residents and road users while we carry out this essential repair.

"Whilst it is important that we fix this leak now, it does not pose any serious safety concerns and there is no impact on local gas supplies.”

Wessex Water is replacing mains pipes on the A363 Bradford Road until Friday, November 8. (Image: Trevor Porter)

Other works are also taking place around Trowbridge, including Wessex Water replacing mains pipes on the A363 Bradford Road until Friday, November 8.

Lastly, the West Ashton Road is closed from the bottom of Leap Gate to the crossroads at West Ashton from Wednesday, October 29 to Friday, November 1.