SWINDON Borough Council yesterday laid out the plans for the upcoming improvement works at junction 16 on the M4.

A public consultation took place at the Lime Kiln Leisure Centre from 3pm - 7pm when locals were encouraged to share their views on the project.

The reason for the works is to ensure the area can cope with future traffic levels and to cater for further development in the surrounding areas.

Tim Price, service manager for project delivery at Swindon Borough Council, said: “The first phase has been around for a few years now and it’s all part of Swindon’s growth agenda and it will be good for the region as a whole.

“The thinking behind today’s consultation is to get people used to the fact that there will be construction work going on for a while and we’re giving them the chance to make sure they understand what’s happening.”

The design and proposals plan is due to start next month with the whole project anticipated to be complete by spring 2018.

The budget for the works is £11.5 million, of which the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership will provide £5.92 million with the remaining balance funded by the emerging Wichelstowe Joint Venture between Swindon Borough Council and Barratt Developments.

According to the council, the main objective is to drive economic growth in Swindon and Wiltshire and to secure wealth, jobs and new business creation.

The council’s aims are for Swindon to have all of the characteristics of a British city with a successful economy.

Construction works are expected to start in September after initial vegetation clearance has taken place.

Lucy Pike, assistant project manager, said: “I think it is going to be a great scheme for both Swindon and Wiltshire and will really improve the traffic flow.”

Lucy said: “People shouldn’t worry. If they see any work being done already, it’s just vegetation clearance and doesn’t mean the proper construction work has started yet.”

Junction 16 is currently used by approximately 45,000 vehicles each day and is required to support as many as 61,000 in the near future.

Nathan Coombs, 48, of Wootton Bassett, said: “There is already a very high number of cars coming through this area and I don’t think Wootton Bassett was made to absorb so much traffic.

“If it improves the situation then it’ll be great but I’m worried that it has not been properly thought out because the roads were not built for this. I hope it will be better in a year’s time.

Chris Barry, 70, of West Swindon, said: “I use junction 16 quite a lot. There has always been a problem with traffic coming through this area and I think it will certainly be a big improvement.”