Plans to close a major A-road near Bath for months on end could bring villages to a “complete standstill” the local MP has warned.
Cracks on the pavement along the A36 at Limpley Stoke | Photo © National Highways
National Highways plans to close the A36 Warminster Road between Limpley Stoke and Monkton Combe on 12th August, with the road to remain shut until the spring.
It comes after cracks were discovered in the footpath along the road between Limpley Stoke and the Limpley Stoke viaduct, with the work intended to prevent further movement and keep the carriageway safe.
But Frome and East Somerset MP Anna Sabine warned: “This is a hugely impactful road closure, and we have been given an unacceptably short amount of notice.
“People commuting to Frome are expected to follow a 21-mile diversion via Chippenham, but in practice, many will divert through villages like Norton St Philip and Hinton Charterhouse, or through local towns like Midsomer Norton.
“I am particularly worried about the impact on villages where many roads are already narrow or blocked by parked cars, which may come to a complete standstill with heavy additional traffic.
“I want National Highways to significantly increase the mitigation they have planned, including providing staffing to help with suitable diversions.”
Melksham and Devizes MP Brian Mathew, whose constituency includes Limpley Stoke, added: “I am worried about the impact on residents in Limpley Stoke, who have already endured numerous roadworks recently, and in Bradford on Avon, which is another potential short cut for drivers and already suffers from very high traffic volume.”
Announcing the road closure, National Highways senior project manager Hugh Campbell said: “Safety is our number one priority, and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause but need to fix the root of the problem to ensure it doesn’t happen again and that motorists and pedestrians remain safe at all times.”
While the road is closed, National Highways will be working to install a new concrete piled wall and capping beam to stabilise the embankment.
New drainage, a new pavement, and netting on the rock above the carriageway will also be installed. There will also be repairs to retaining walls and to the viaduct itself.
He added: “We understand that road closures are frustrating, but by fully closing the road, we can get this scheme done safely and quickly, causing less disruption overall.
“Once it’s all complete, these improvements will benefit road users and the local community for many years to come.”
Manda Rigby, Bath and North East Somerset Council’s cabinet member for highways, added: “Unfortunately these are significant works to repair an ongoing issue that will be disruptive for a period of time but what National Highways are doing is absolutely essential.
“We’ve worked closely with National Highways to make sure suitable diversions are put in place, the works cause as little disruption as possible and that residents will be kept informed throughout the project.”
If the official diversion is followed, it will send more traffic through Westbury, where locals say they are already dealing with more HGVs going through the town as a result of the weight limit on Cleveland Bridge in Bath.
John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporter
