Multiple M4 closures and roadworks near Swindon have been described as a "perfect storm" for traffic chaos, as action is being taken to prevent this from happening again.
The recent closures of the M4 near Swindon from August 3-6 due to emergency incidents led to major congestion in Wroughton and Chiseldon, as traffic was pushed into the villages.
Both areas are already experiencing delays due to ongoing roadworks and the result, according to residents, is 'a disaster waiting to happen.'
Matt Hinton, parish councillor for Chiseldon, has now spoken to Swindon Borough Council's Street Works team and says teams are working to minimise the disruption.
"I had a good call with Swindon Borough Council's Street Works team, who described the disruption earlier this week as the "perfect storm" caused by the Brimble Hill diversion coinciding with a temporary M4 closure," said the Chiseldon parish councillor.
"Should another M4 closure occur while Brimble Hill remains closed, Swindon Borough Council will station an officer near the Amazon data centre beyond Burderop Park to direct HGVs to turn around there, preventing a repeat of lorries continuing down Brimble Hill as happened earlier this week."
Chiseldon isn't the only area affected.
On August 3, a hay lorry fire shut the westbound M4 for five hours.
The incident sent yet more diverted traffic through Wroughton, where residents were already contending with roadworks on Marlborough Road near the Ellendune Centre and in Wichelstowe.
Photos have emerged showing large vehicles struggling to manoeuvre, including an Amazon lorry blocking a narrow street.
Gaz Ratcliffe, who has lived in Wroughton for 11 years, said: "This is day one of the roadworks, and look what has happened. It’s dangerous.
Recommended reading:
'Horrific scene': M4 closed as emergency services respond to serious incident
LIVE: Double M4 crashes spark chaos on motorway
AS IT HAPPENED: 'All lanes stopped' as fire breaks out on M4
"Large lorries use these roads and they’re quite narrow. It’s a disaster waiting to happen."
Mr Hinton said the team are regularly monitoring the route.
However, he explained that signage at Junction 15 falls under the remit of National Highways.
As a result, drivers using the A346 toward Chiseldon may not see the Pipers Way diversion signs.
He noted that the sign near the Patriots roundabout, although repositioned after he reported it was obstructing wheelchair users, still has to remain partially on the pavement.
Share