The proposed A350 Melksham Bypass has been removed from the government’s Major Road Network and Large Local Majors Programme following a national review of road schemes.<\/p>\n
The Department for Transport (DfT) assessed the bypass as offering lower overall value for money than other schemes in the programme.<\/p>\n
The decision ends funding for a scheme that Wiltshire Council says has been a longstanding priority, intended to ease congestion, reduce journey times, improve road safety and reduce impacts on air quality and noise.<\/p>\n
Lucy Townsend, chief executive of Wiltshire Council, said: “We are very disappointed by this decision, although we knew there was the potential for major highways schemes to be withdrawn following a review of projects across the country.<\/p>\n
“The A350 is a strategically important route for Wiltshire and beyond, and we know many residents, businesses and stakeholders have long supported improvements to address congestion and other transport challenges in and around Melksham.”<\/p>\n
The council says the A350 is one of the county’s most important transport routes, connecting the south coast with the M4 and the Midlands, while also serving local communities and businesses.<\/p>\n
Townsend added: “While the Government has decided not to take this scheme forward through the current funding programme, this does not prevent it from being considered again in the future should a suitable funding opportunity arise.”<\/p>\n
The bypass project has been under development for a number of years following funding from DfT to investigate options for improving conditions on the A350 through Melksham and Beanacre.<\/p>\n
The council will review the decision and consider any future opportunities that may emerge to address the transport challenges facing the A350 corridor.<\/p>\n