AN overhaul of Junction 16 of the M4 is pressing ahead, with a second report due before an influential business group next week.

Plans to sink millions into improvements of the troublesome roundabout have been on the cards since 1999, but the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) has consistently called for greater public scrutiny.

On Wednesday, the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SWLEP) will decide whether or not to bring forward the outline scheme.

Congestion on feeder roads resulting from the proposed £11.5m scheme is the subject of objections, including the A3102 and B4005, balanced by the need for greater capacity in the face of fresh housing developments including Wichelstowe.

The SWLEP report says the scheme would create:

  • A right-turn for Swindon Road traffic turning onto Hay Lane, using a signalised junction;
  • A new signalised junction for traffic joining Hay Lane from J16;
  • A widened M4 westbound off-slip to four lanes;
  • A widened M4 eastbound off-slip to four lanes;
  • A wider circulation carriageway on the Great Western Way approach.

Work will also include changes to road signs and markings and alterations to the surface water drainage systems.

The full cost is estimated to be £11.54m.

The Wiltshire Core Strategy says the scheme must bear in mind any impact on outlying villages and towns, such as Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade, which could see increased congestion as a result.

The report says: “Any major development proposals should demonstrate how this matter has been taken into account and propose appropriate sustainable transport solutions to help address this problem.”

Charmain Spickernell, of the CPRE, said: “Everybody agrees the transport corridor is congested and something needs to be done.

“It seems now because of money coming through they are proceeding all out with improvements to Junction 16.

“Consultants have said that if you increase the flow at Junction 16 there will be severe congestion in Wharf Road and Wootton Bassett High Street.

“Since then a lot more development has come forward and more waiting in the wings.

“While this is ticking all sorts of boxes for the business case we need to stand back and consider if it is going to work.

“They seem to be pressing ahead with the case in its current form and have not changed a thing, which I find extraordinary.”