Wiltshire Council have this morning issued a statement urging drivers to ‘follow diversion routes during closure of the A346 in Marlborough‘. This relates particularly to the Herd Street closure where OpenReach are involved in replacement of a structure underneath the road. The diversion routes drivers via Beckhampton and the A4361 but many can’t be bothered, as we witnessed over the weekend with HGVs causing chaos in Kingsbury Street. The drivers’ claim was that their Sat Navs were still sending them down Herd Street. Well, they would, wouldn’t they?
Wiltshire Council are also demanding that OpenReach comply with their ‘Traffic Management Plan’, which on the surface may seem like words not backed up with the consistent actions set out. Or is that just a bit too cynical?
Cllr Nick Holder, Cabinet Member for Highways, stated: “While this Openreach work on the A346 is ongoing in Marlborough, it’s essential that drivers pay attention to the official diversion and do not attempt to use routes that are unsuitable for vehicles – particularly HGVs.
“We have had some issues over the weekend with this – as some drivers have been ignoring the signage and the official diversions, causing real problems for local people.
“Our teams are checking all signage to ensure that it is compliant with what was agreed in Openreach’s traffic management plan before the works began, and if not we will take action against the contractors and ensure the correct signage is installed.
“This work is taking place during half-term when traffic volumes are lower. However, we must stress that people must follow the official diversion to ensure that we minimise disruption for all road users in the area and particularly local people.”
The statement also directs the public to the details displayed on the ‘one.network‘ website which gives information about all roadworks and closures. However, the information shown there doesn’t always give clarity regarding what will be happening. It can be misleading. The recent issues regarding the Port Hill works – for the Council contractors and Utilities cos – wasn’t correct regarding times of closures – Complete? Overnight? Single lane or both lanes? And the dates of the schedule works changed, at short notice. All of which is vital information for users of the road as this affects the lives of everyone travelling – or intending to travel along this stretch of road. Marlborough.news has asked the Council to ensure that all information displayed is correct, several times, but as yet has still not received such a clear reassurance.
So traffic chaos in Marlborough. Part of our lives. Will it ever change? We hope so but only pressure from us, who live here and face the effects of the roadworks, problems and dire communication from the Council and their contractors will deliver the respite that we all need.
Valentine Gala Dinner raises over £5,000 for Love Marlborough Kids Meals
