DRIVERS are being advised to avoid the eastbound approach to Bruce Street Bridges as the carriageway surface is breaking up.

Emergency investigations are taking place to find out what has happened.

Contractors have closed off two lanes on the approach from B&Q and one lane of the roundabout itself to enable the investigations to be carried out.

Traffic is already queuing on the B4006 Great Western Way as far back as The Meads Roundababout.

Swindon Borough Council says it will provide an update via social media and this website when the work is complete, but drivers are advised to seek alternative routes until then as long delays are expected.

Motorists had to contend with long tailbacks along Great Western Way in both directions while roadworks were carried out over 18 months, being finished seven months ago.

Thamesdown Transport said it was expecting delays to several services as traffic was restricted to one lane in each direction at Bruce Street Bridges this afternoon.

A year ago Councillor Dale Heenan, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for sustainability and transport, said: “I think everyone agrees that Bruce Street Bridges has been a long hard slog due to the complex nature of the work and the large number of unknown utility pipes that were discovered which don't appear on any maps. However, motorists will see a significant difference soon.

“Over the next few weeks, the entire roundabout will be resurfaced, and when this is completed Bruce Street Bridges will look virtually finished and will be completely open to all traffic."

  • Slow traffic was also reported on B4143 Bridge End Road in Stratton St Margaret, near the Elgin Drive junction, because of a crash this afternoon.

Swindon Advertiser:

Traffic delays around Bruce Street Bridges Roundabout this afternoon. Picture by Google Maps