National Highways is set to carry out a £6 million upgrade on the A46 north of Bath, in a scheme designed to improve safety, reduce flooding and make journeys more reliable.
Work is set to begin on the A46 north of Bath | Photo © National Highways
The works will take place over the coming months on the stretch between the London Road roundabout and the Cold Ashton roundabout, a key route linking Bath with the M4.
As part of the package, the route will be resurfaced, drainage will be upgraded to help prevent flooding, and new signage will be installed.
At Hartley Bends, new high-visibility chevron signs will be introduced to improve road safety on the bends.
Sean Walsh, National Highways route manager, said: “More than 20,000 drivers use this route every day for work, home deliveries and the movement of goods and services, so it’s essential we continue to provide the essential maintenance and upgrades needed to make sure journeys remain safe and reliable.”
The project will be delivered in phases. The first phase begins on 18th January, when ground investigation surveys and monitoring equipment will be installed at Charmy Downs to inform future improvement work.
Later in the year, phases two and three will bring drainage improvements at Four Winds Farm and resurfacing at Hartley Bends.
To carry out the work safely, overnight closures and lane restrictions will be in place:
18th January to 20th March
A46 between Cold Ashton roundabout and London Road roundabout
Closed in both directions overnight, Monday to Friday, from 8pm to 6am
Signed diversion in both directions via:
- A420 (Marshfield)
- A350
- A4 (Corsham / Box)
Access to properties directly on the A46 within the closure will be maintained by escort – residents should speak to the site team at the nearest closure point.
18th January to 20th March
A46 at Charmy Down
Lane closures on the three-lane section
One lane will run in each direction under a contraflow.
National Highways is urging drivers to plan ahead and allow extra time, warning that closure details may change at short notice due to factors such as severe weather.
A dedicated webpage on the National Highways website will provide updates.
