A doctored traffic sign is the latest vehicle for fed-up people in West Swindon to vent their frustration at the Mead Way roadworks.

When a project started to make the busy stretch of road wider in March 2020 it was only supposed to last 20 weeks.

But the latest public deadline for completion - the end of April 2022 - has come and gone. 

The road finally opened to motorists last November, but many of the finishing touches need to be completed - including a safety barrier and a bus stop that is led on its back. The continuing presence of traffic cones continues to cause anger in the community. 

As a result, a triangular road sign indicating the physical end of roadworks has had 'Unlikely' added to it by a dissatisfied resident with a sense of humour. 

Swindon Advertiser:

This is the latest in a series of public stunts involving the troubled ongoing roadworks that have plagued residents for over two years. 

At the beginning of May a cardboard sign was put up near Wilkes Academy with an angry message that labelled the situation a 'farce'. 

It read: "£5 million spent. 2 years taken. Still not finished. The Mead Way Farce.”

In March, a group of residents and now leader of Swindon's Labour councillors Jim Robbins threw a tongue-in-cheek birthday party for the roadworks - complete with a cake.

Last September, the metal sign informing motorists Mead Way was closed was altered to say 'investing £4million to delay journey times' instead of 'improve' and 'completion never' instead of 'completion Summer 2021'.

Reacting to the latest sign on Twitter, Swindon Labour Councillors said: "Pathetic that the Conservative administration has given up on giving predicted completion dates. Will we need to hold a third birthday party for the works?"

Swindon Advertiser:

But Swindon Borough Council has apologised for the numerous delays and the inconvenience caused by them but maintains that they have been caused by factors outside of their control.

Council leader, David Renard said: “The specific delay was caused by the supplier sending the wrong safety barrier, which did not meet the standards required, to the contractor.

“This is something that is completely out of control of the council. Safety is of course paramount, and if the barrier does not meet the requirements, it’s right that a new one is sent, but that causes a delay.”