Swindon is a town that is rapidly expanding. Our dynamic economy and excellent transport links are among the many reasons why people choose to come here. Nowhere will this expansion be more dramatic than to the east of the A419.

The New Eastern Villages (NEV) project is one of the largest greenfield developments in the country and delivering it is one of this council’s key pledges. When it is eventually completed, the vast 724-hectare site will consist of around 8,000 homes, new schools, land for businesses and community facilities.

But, before any of this development can take place, we need to make sure the infrastructure around it is fit for purpose and that means upgrading some of our existing junctions and creating new roads.

The first major improvement scheme will start in October at the White Hart Roundabout.

This will involve creating a new northbound on-slip road from the roundabout onto the A419, replacing the existing slip road which sends traffic south down Merlin Way before looping back round onto the A419.

This is a less than ideal way of merging onto the busy A-road and the changes we intend to make will correct this issue.

Also, the southbound slip road from the A419 onto the roundabout will be widened, the roundabout will be signalised, the existing entry onto Ermin Street will be closed and replaced by a new priority junction on Oxford Road, and the number of lanes circling the roundabout will be increased.

These changes will increase capacity on the roundabout which will help to reduce queuing traffic at peak times.

Next January, work to increase capacity at Gablecross roundabout and creation of the new Southern Connector Road will link the NEV with Commonhead roundabout.

This road will be about 1.5 miles long and a footway will be constructed on one side of the road and a shared footway/cycleway on the other to ensure it is accessible for everybody.

Some junctions to the west of the A419 – Piccadilly roundabout and the Nythe Road/Oxford junction – will also need to be improved, and this work will start in the spring of next year.

There is no denying that these roadworks will cause congestion at peak times. But they are absolutely vital to improving the road network for everyone who lives in Swindon and for those who will one day call it their home.

We will keep you updated on the roadworks as they progress, so do keep an eye on the council’s social media channels.