The company responsible for roadworks causing widespread frustration has explained why workers were not visible at the site.
The A361 works in Highworth began last Monday, July 22, and could last until August 2 with four-way temporary traffic lights on The Fox roundabout slowing traffic.
One driver said last week: “It’s absolute chaos, hour-long delays for a road that's not even being worked on”, with others similarly annoyed at seeing no workers on site after reportedly queuing for over an hour.
“We were stuck just after the solar farm, and it took 50 minutes to get into Highworth, ambulance two cars behind had issues getting through as a torrent of cars were coming the other way.”
READ MORE: Temporary traffic lights cause ‘hour-long delays’ out of Swindon
Another said: “Coming home from work at 4.30pm joined the cue just after Supermarine roundabout got to the lights at The Fox at 5.25pm.
"Couldn’t see anything being worked on.”
The work is being completed by Energetics Electricity, a Last Mile subsidiary, to provide electricity to a new 238-house development south of Highworth.
Amid complaints little work could be sent taking place, a A Last Mile spokesperson said works had to be stopped after excavations uncovered 'apparatus' which was not included in their plans.
“So, works were put on hold until qualified teams were able to attend and make safe for the intended works to continue," they said.
“I understand the frustrations that these types of works cause and we at Last Mile do try and minimise disruption for residents and commuters as much as possible.
“In this instance, our contractors carrying out the works have followed the requirements outlined by the NRSWA Act 1991, which includes a site meeting with the Roads Authority to discuss traffic management requirements, duration, and scope of works, etc.
READ MORE: Swindon council responds to 'hour-long delay' roadworks
“We have then applied for a permit from the Roads Authority, outlining the dates required to work and the traffic management plans which were agreed.
“This permit has then been accepted by the Roads Authority to allow us to carry out these works under their instruction.”
The spokesperson accepted that “there are occasions where the plans put in place aren’t adequate” but that changes can only be made with the permission of the roads authority.
They urged people who are affected by roadworks to contact the local roads authority which will send out a roads inspector.
They will assess if outlined plans are being adhered to or if changes need to be made which will improve the situation.
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