Plan for M4 to south coast corridor to avoid Bath

Lorries and other traffic heading to the south coast from the M4 should be routed through Wiltshire instead of Bath, according to a government study.

Bath & North East Somerset Council has said it gives its full support for the findings of National Highways’ M4 to Dorset Coast Strategic Connectivity Study.

The study examined the current network, which uses the A36 and A46 through Bath as the main designated route, and explored the possibility of adopting an alternative corridor as the primary strategic route.

The study’s recommendation is that the primary strategic route will be the A350 from the M4, passing via Chippenham, Melksham and Westbury, before connecting to the A36 at Warminster and continuing south.

Cllr Manda Rigby, cabinet member for transport, said: “We are delighted at this outcome. No longer will Bath been seen as the preferred route for HGVs between the M4 and the South Coast once the study is implemented.

“This will have a hugely positive impact on traffic flows long term in Bath & North East Somerset, and air quality enhancements, and will unlock opportunities for reevaluating traffic interventions through north east Bath.

“We look forward to working alongside National Highways and other key stakeholders to implement the recommendations highlighted in the report.”