MONDAY marks the start of the latest road improvement programme that will affect thousands of motorists in the town.

But while the reconstruction of Akers Way will undoubtedly cause inconvenience to local residents and drivers alike, it is a scheme that will be welcomed in equal measure by those that use the carriageway. As with our other major schemes such as Great Western Way and Greenbridge Roundabout, this is part of a multi-million pound investment for Swindon’s future.

The daily shudders I feel through my car each day will be familiar to many motorists – and bus users – as the road surface continues to deteriorate.

Akers Way has become an increasingly popular route as Swindon has expanded, connecting our communities in the west and north to routes into the town centre. This has inevitably led to wear and tear but the road itself, having been built several decades ago, is coming to the end of its life.

We have set aside almost a million pounds to modify the concrete base under the road surface and put a thicker road surfacing material on top, which will provide a long lasting road surface and end the regular pothole repairs and juddering journeys experienced by all who use it.

The work will take place in phases over the coming months and we will keep motorists regularly updated with progress on the scheme through this newspaper and other media outlets. You can receive updates direct to your inbox by subscribing to our fortnightly Highways News e-newsletter via: www.swindon.gov.uk/newsletter

While this work is going on, you may want to consider alternative ways of getting to your destination. We are lucky in Swindon to have a great network of cycle paths throughout the borough and the cycle path along Akers Way will remain open during the works.

If anyone would like a copy of the Swindon cycle map to plan their journeys, they can email their postal address to: transportplanning@swindon.gov.uk The Swindon Travel Choices website (www.swindontravelchoices.org.uk) also has plenty of maps and information.

People can also car share to cut down congestion. We have a scheme here in Swindon which is free to sign up to: www.carshareswindon.com The buses from North Swindon will be affected by the Akers Way work, but services will still be running if you would like to give public transport a try. Details will be published on Thamesdown’s website (www.thamesdownbus.com) and people can get updates via the bus company’s Twitter page: @thamesdown

But whatever mode of transport you choose to use during the forthcoming work, please allow extra time for your journey while this essential work is carried out. This road scheme is very definitely one of those cases where short-term pain will lead to long-term gain.