THE multi-million pound project to improve junction 16 on the M4 is well and truly under way and is expected to be completed by the spring of 2018, as originally planned.

Councillors and project leaders yesterday took a tour of the site – clad in hi-vis coats, hard hats and wellington boots – checking on the progress of the project and discussing the next stage.

The work will see the roundabout altered and slip roads widened. The traffic signals will also be replaced and improvements will be made to the junction’s drainage.

Every day since Wednesday, 12 trucks have been shifting huge amounts of clay, with each making around 10 trips from a site in nearby Brinkworth.

Councillor Keith Williams, cabinet member for StreetSmart, Highways and Transport, said: “Everything is going really well so far.

“Around 100,000 tonnes of clay will need to be moved before the next stage can start and anything can be installed; moving clay is one of the biggest aspects of the job.”

Around 5,500 vehicles an hour currently use Junction 16 at morning and evening peak times and this is expected to rise by more than 50 per cent over the coming years.

The project will cost around £11.5 million and is being funded by Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SWLEP) and the Wichelstowe development.

Coun Williams sought to address concerns locals might have about living near the site.

He said: “We don’t expect there to be any negative impact on the area. An extra 10 or 12 vehicles shouldn’t make too much difference.

"It’s a big job, but as long as people plan their route in advance, everything should be fine.”

Once complete the upgrade is intended to ensure the junction can cope with forecast future traffic levels and cater for future development in surrounding areas.

Coun Williams added: “These works are much needed because the roundabout is currently at capacity. Several years ago, consultations took place which looked at ways capacity could be improved, and this was considered the best way of doing that.”

The project is being delivered by Swindon Borough Council in partnership with Highways England and Wiltshire Council.

Further details about the scheme can be found at www.swindon.gov.uk/junction16