Works at Junction 16: Construction is now in full swing on both the eastbound and westbound off-slip roads, within the south side of the roundabout, and at the entrance to Upper Studley Farm.
Next week, weather permitting, the contractor will start bringing a large volume of material to the junction to raise several areas next to the current highway in order to provide the additional road surface required for the new layout. This will involve ten to 12 trucks travelling between Brinkworth and the junction at hourly intervals during the day. The operation is expected to continue until July.
Work has been progressing on the Eastern Flyer which has already seen a number of improvements including route widening (where it has been possible), removal of the cyclist/pedestrian segregation, street lighting improvements, bulb planting and bollard replacements. Dual-purpose litter and dog waste bins are also set to be installed and you’ll also find yellow-themed route markers and paved strips to help keep you on track.
Over the next couple of weeks we are upgrading the toucan crossing at County Road nearest the Magic Roundabout which will see the current crossing switched off for approximately one week whilst the new one is being installed. Pedestrians and cyclists are to be diverted to the nearest signalised crossing point until these works are completed. Thanks in advance for your patience whilst this essential upgrade work is taking place.
New increased mobile phone penalties
New driver penalties came into effect this month, which means that the Fixed Penalty Notice for using a handheld mobile phone while driving is now £200 and 6 points. Using a hand held mobile phone while driving, or while stopped with the engine on, has been illegal since December 2003. Evidence shows that using any sort of phone has a considerable effect on accident risk and hands-free phone usage can have a major bearing on whether or not you could be found guilty of careless or dangerous driving. So if you need to make or take a call, motorists should:
Stop or leave it to go to voicemail – even if you have a hands-free phone.
If you must talk, and have a hands-free phone, keep conversations short and simple or say that you’ll find a safe and legal place to stop and phone back.
Quality Bus Corridor – there’s still chance to share your views…
The Transport Planning team would like to thank those who attended the consultation events on the Quality Bus Corridor proposals last month. There’s still time to share your feedback on the plans for the whole route from Wichelstowe to Swindon town centre via Old Town and Mannington. Further information on the proposals, along with an online feedback survey, can be found on the Swindon Travel Choices website.
The deadline for responses is Wednesday 22nd March 2017.
UPCOMING ROADWORKS
Lady Lane
Closure in place for carriageway drainage works and resurfacing from 28th February to 10th March 2017
Whitworth Road
2-way traffic lights for network upgrade from 20th February to 7th July 2017
Queens Drive Patching Work(section between Drakes Way and the Magic Roundabout)
Full road closure for night works (10.00pm – 6.00am) from 20th to 24th March 2017
C117 Hannington
Resurfacing work and full road closure – 8.00am – 6.00pm from 5th to 10th April 2017
Wanborough Road (two sections including Horpit Junction)
Resurfacing work and full road closure – 8.00am – 6.00pm from 11th to 19th April 2017
Kite Hill (section adjacent Gosling Close)
Full road closure on 18th April 2017 between 8:00am – 6.00pm
Coate Water Roundabout
Full road closure (access maintained for Emergency Services only) from 24th April 2017 to 1st May 2017 between 10.00pm – 6.00am
