OVERRUNNING roadworks at a busy junction have sparked more anger from drivers and neighbours.

The £2.8m transformation of the Moonrakers roundabouts started in July last year, with the project scheduled to be complete in the spring.

But it was announced this week that the westbound lane of Beechcroft Road will be shut on Monday to allow for the drainage works and signal ducting to be installed and final surfacing to the new junction to be completed. 

Traffic will be diverted down Meadowcroft and then Headlands Grove, while the road will remain open to traffic heading from Cricklade Road on to Beechcroft Road via a one-way system.

Adver readers shared their frustration on our Facebook page.

Richard Hodder said: “The time this is taking is just getting stupid now, should have been finished ages ago. Unbelievable. 

"Getting thoroughly fed up of having to divert all over the place to avoid all the never ending road works in and around Swindon in order to get out of the place."

Sarah Taylor added: “Why on earth would you do this before the other side is finished?”

Gemma Walters said: “How about you finish the other parts first then start the new bit?

It’s a shambles the way it’s been thrown together.”

Two lockdowns and various complications, including cable and pipework issues, have been given as reasons behind the delay but a council spokesman said yesterday the road would fully reopen next month. 

The Moonrakers revamp aims to improve the traffic flow, as well as making navigating the junction easier for buses – but businesses in the area say they have been hard hit.

A Swindon Borough Council spokesman said: “We are entering the final few weeks of the scheme and we would like to reassure everyone that we are doing everything we can to deliver a new junction which will improve traffic flow, reduce journey times and make it more accessible for buses, cyclists and pedestrians.

“It would be fair to say that the Moonrakers scheme is taking longer than we planned and we know local residents and motorists are frustrated.

“However, it is important we deliver a much improved junction which is built to last, and we are working closely with our contractor to fully reopen the junction as quickly as possible. With that in mind, we have asked our contractor to carry out night-time work to help speed up the completion of the scheme.

“The partial closure of Beechcroft Road will enable the final pieces of drainage and surfacing to take place on that section of the junction and a diversion will be in place during the work.”