The tunnel has been constructed, the asphalt has been laid – a new road allowing access to the south of Swindon from Wichelstowe is ready to go. But it needs to be hooked up to the rest of the development.

The Southern Access Road joins Wichelstowe to the south of the M4 without drivers having to go though Old Town

It joins Hay Lane and Wharf Road at a new specially-constructed roundabout and it runs under the M4 just to the east of Junction 16.

The innovative construction of the tunnel under the carriageway meant the motorway was never entirely closed.

After emerging north of the motorway, Wichel Way runs into the centre of the ever-growing housing development centred on the canal in the middle of the village.

But that road joining up to the existing infrastructure is the responsibility of the consortium building the Wichelstowe development - made up of Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes.

Swindon Borough Council says: “Completion of the new road, Wichel Way, will fall to developers of the Wichelstowe site, who will finish work on the road and connect it to Wichelstowe. Wichel Way will stay closed to traffic until that work is complete.”