MAJOR improvements to two key roundabouts on the A350 are to be made as part of a £345.3 million Government funding package to improve local roads and public transport across the country.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling announced today that 76 projects from across the country have been awarded funding totalling £244m to bring key benefits to local road users.

They include capacity and safety improvement works on the A350 near Melksham in a scheme totalling £2.99m, with £2.49m of DfT funding.

The works will include new traffic signals at Farmers Roundabout, merge taper improvements at Semington Roundabout, and resurfacing and lighting column removal between Semington and Farmers roundabouts.

Mr Grayling said: “This Government is taking the big decisions for Britain’s future and investing a record £23 billion on our roads to increase capacity and improve journeys.

“These schemes will provide much needed upgrades to essential local roads up and down the country, cutting congestion, improving safety and shortening journey times for drivers.

“They will also help boost regional economic growth by unlocking jobs and supporting vital new housing development.

Michelle Donelan, the Conservative MP for Chippenham, today welcomed the investment in improving the A350 – one of the major routes through North and West Wiltshire.

She said: “This is fantastic news for people who live and work in Melksham and the surrounding areas. It will also support the growth of the town and encourage more visitors.

“I have been pushing the case for this investment for years and am delighted that the Government has listened.

“Improving our local road network is vital. I have always said that development must come with the infrastructure to cope.

“We will see a real ease in congestion and a boost for the economy, which will lead to more local jobs.”

Funding for all these schemes is being provided from the National Productivity Investment Fund and the Large Local Majors fund.

The DfT said the move is part of the Government’s record investment in road to help keep Britain moving and the economy growing.