MOTORISTS can expect nearly a year of driving chaos as work starts on one of the main routes through the town centre.

Work on Fleming Way is due to start on Monday and is expected to last for 45 weeks as preparations begin for a multi-million redevelopment of the area between the railway station and the town centre.

The changes to the Whalebridge junction are important for the huge scheme, called Union Square.

The exact schedule of lane closures is not yet known, so motorists do not know when the full force of the traffic disruption will be felt but work is already under way, and contractors have felled the trees on the inside of the roundabout.

The developer, Muse Developments, will be submitting an outline planning application for the Union Square development in the coming weeks.

The scheme will include offices, restaurants, shops and housing, all set around new high-quality public squares.

The development will also incorporate a new bus exchange facility to replace the current bus station and bus stops on Fleming Way.

A spokeswoman for Forward Swindon, the company that is responsible for economic development, regeneration and inward investment on behalf of Swindon Council, said: “The changes to Whalebridge are important in making Union Square an integral part of the town centre.

“The aim is to make it easier for people to walk safely between areas within the centre, for example across Princes Street and Fleming Way, between the shops and Union Square and up to the theatre, without facing barriers, such as the roundabout, fast traffic, a lonely underpass or the dual carriageway on Fleming Way. During the consultation sessions we held at the library recently many visitors told us this was something they would be very glad to see in that area.”

The general manager of the Jury’s Inn Hotel, which sits beside Whalebridge roundabout, has welcomed the new development despite the potential disruption it could bring to business.

“We are delighted that the work is taking place because we are concerned about the safety of the area,” Alex Brunner said.

“We are fully behind the plans and our car park is not on Fleming Way so it should not impact on us too much.

“Everyone feels very positive about the work that is taking place because the area is very run down and this will enhance the area.

“It will change the face of Swindon and bring it out of the 1980s and will be good for all of us in the town.

“Obviously there will be issues during the works but it will be worth it in the long run.

“We have been communicating fully with our customers about what is happening throughout the works.”