Swindon roadworks: Pack Hill in Wanborough to close for weeks

Pack Hill, which is the main route from Wanborough to Commonhead Roundabout, where motorists can then go on the M4, the A419, or into Swindon via the Hospital, will be closed for roadworks for five weeks starting on January 9, 2023.

The other major route in or out of the village from Covingham, Wanborough Road, was also due to close again after being temporarily reopened so that the village pubs could benefit from Christmas trade, having been shut off to motorists for a number of months prior.

But Swindon Borough Council has confirmed that this road will now stay open for longer until Pack Hill is also usable again before it goes back to shutting itself for what could be around six months. 

The roadworks on Pack Hill are part of the Southern Connector Road project which aims to get the area's vehicle infrastructure ready for the New Eastern Villages expansion which will see up to 6,000 new homes built on the East of Swindon.

One of the developments that are part of this - Redlands Grove - has started being built just outside the village, and this is responsible for the work and disruption on Wanborough Road, as contractors change the road layout and install pavement along the rural route. 

These two on-off road closures are also on top of the long-term closure of Wanborough cut-through The Marsh, and traffic calming measures being installed in the high street.

Pack Hill will be completely closed off to vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists until it reopens on February 10, meaning that even though those walking or on a bike can go down the Marsh, which is closed to vehicles, they won't be able to each Commonhead.

However, Buckingham Group Contracting has confirmed access to Great Moorleaze Farm, and houses off Pack Hill will be maintained at all times.

Anyone coming off of Commonhead Roundabout wishing to get into Wanborough will need to drive through Liddington.

Businesses in the village have previously bemoaned the years’ worth of roadworks, labelling them as worse than the pandemic for their impact on custom, and following this latest announcement, The Parish Council has formed a working group and called a public meeting to discuss the ongoing impact.

This is being held in the Village Hall on Monday, January 30 starting at 7.30pm.

Wanborough Parish Council calls a public meeting to discuss village's roadwork woes as another closure is announced (Image: Wanborough Parish Council)