Westbury bypass back on the agenda

A BYPASS for Westbury has returned to the spotlight after it was revealed that the A350 could be in line for extra funding as part of Government plans for a ‘major road network’.

The proposal by the Department of Transport, earmarks the A350 between the M4 at Chippenham and the A36 in Warminster to be part of a new major road network across England, as part of the government’s transport investment strategy.

The news looks set to  spark fresh debate in the town on the subject of a bypass, which has been a hot topic for the residents of Westbury for decades.

A Westbury bypass was prioritised as the number one road for development by Wiltshire Council in the 1990s, but whilst other bypasses at Semington and Hilperton have come to fruition, plans for Westbury have continually stalled.

In 2009, plans for an eastern bypass around Westbury were turned down by the Secretary of State for Transport after years of controversy over which route a bypass should take, as groups were formed to promote or protest against an eastern or western route.

The new proposal, which is in the consultation stage, states that the new road network would be eligible for a new funding stream that could be used for improvements such as: “bypasses or other new alignments to alleviate congestion in villages and towns and make through journeys quicker, safer and more reliable.”

The proposal goes on to say, “Schemes for bypasses could also include measures to revive the old routes through town and village centres to benefit communities, for example through traffic calming and facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.”

Major road network schemes will only be considered if they seek funding in excess of £20million, up to a maximum ceiling of £100million, and are supported by a local contribution. Applications will also need to demonstrate that the scheme will reduce congestion, support economic growth and regional rebalancing, support housing delivery, support all road users and support the Strategic Road Network.

At the time of going to press, the major road network proposal was on the agenda for Westbury Town Council’s  highways, planning and development committee meeting on Monday 15th January. The committee intend to establish how the council will take part in the consultation.

The major road network proposal is open for consultation until Monday 19th March and is open to the general public for comment. The Department of Transport will publish a formal consultation response during the summer. To view the plans visit: www.gov.v/government/consultations/proposals-for-the-creation-of-a-major-road-network