Major upgrades to begin on A36 in Salisbury
National Highways is starting a six year project to improve the A36 through the city
Drivers in Salisbury are being warned of delays and diversions as a £23 million road improvement scheme begins tomorrow (19th January).
The National Highways project will bring improvements to the A36 running through the city, with a number of phases over the next six years.
We're told to expect lane closures and diversions while the work is being carried out.
It will see traffic flow boosts around three major roundabouts, road resurfacing, and bridge repairs, as well as a number of other improvements.
Plans have been made so that the most impactful work avoids the city's 2027 celebrations marking its 800th Royal Charter year.
The project begins with work around the St Paul's, St Mark's and Castle roundabouts, with the opening phase, which will see new adaptive traffic lights installed to replace the current 32-year-old signals, will take around 11 weeks.
This will be followed by upgrades at the St Paul’s roundabout between 1st June and 27th July, before essential resurfacing work at the Castle and St Paul’s roundabouts and Wilton road between 14th and 31th July.
Further road improvements along the strategic route in the coming years will include:
- Resurfacing at the Castle and St Paul’s roundabouts and Wilton road;
- Improved road markings and pavement renewal;
- Upgrade of the Southampton Road pedestrian crossing;
- Strengthening work to the Maltings access bridge;
- Repairs to the Avon River bridge;
- Replacement of the Victoria Road footbridge to improve accessibility;
- Removal of the Wyndham Road footbridge, while all alternative options are explored.
Boost for main route connecting the South West
National Highways Route Manager Chris Hilldrup described the A36 as a vital route through the city, connecting the south coast with Bristol, Bath and London.
He said an average of 33,500 vehicles use the route every day.
He said: “Given insurmountable limitations on constructing a bypass for the city, it’s vital that we continue to maintain and improve the route, both for the economy, the travelling public and local communities.
“As part of this investment we’re carrying out a number of schemes which will reduce congestion, improve safety, create more reliable journey times and ultimately support Salisbury’s long-term economic growth.”
Hopes of keeping disruption to a minimum
Maria Testa Borjon, National Highways Project Manager, said she understands road closures can be frustrating, but they're imperative to ensure the upgrades can be made safely.
She said they're working closely with partners to reduce disruption: "We’re carefully planning the programme with Wiltshire Council, Salisbury City Council and Southern Gas Networks, who are carrying out major gas mains renewals along the A36.
“We’ll be completing a number of the schemes this year, and are currently programming work to continue next year and beyond, although we are avoiding significant road closures in 2027 when the city will be celebrating the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta.
“In the meantime, we’re working closely with our partners to keep disruption to a minimum and thank drivers in advance for their co-operation and patience and advise people to plan ahead and allow a little extra time for their journeys.”