Major route opens and another closes in Trowbridge

Contractors Milestone working for Wiltshire Council’s highways department reopened Fore Street and Wicker Hill to through traffic.

But they have closed Manvers Street in Trowbridge for the next phase of £3 million worth of improvements to the roads and pavements.

The work in Manvers Street is to allow for kerbing alterations and widening of the footway, as well as replacing bus stops.

Fore Street and Wicker Hill in Trowbridge are now open to traffic. (Image: Trevor Porter)

Cllr Nick Holder, Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “I am pleased to confirm that the works at Wicker Hill and Fore Street have been completed on time and that the road will reopen from Monday, September 9.

“Works of this nature, particularly in urban environments, inevitably cause disruption and we would like to thank people for their patience during the works.

“The works have positively altered the environment in the town centre, and the feedback has generally been positive."

Contractors Milestone start the next phase of work with Manvers Street now closed. (Image: Trevor Porter)

The Manvers Street closure is expected to last three months and is part of a larger project to improve Trowbridge town centre for cyclists and pedestrians.

The project is funded by the government's Future High Streets Fund, which is investing £16.3 million in Trowbridge. 

The work is expected to be completed by mid-November 2024, with all works finished before Christmas, weather permitting. 

Changes will be made to the existing wall alignment and removing the vegetation that currently blocks the view to Manvers House.

Other works include removing trees in poor condition, widening and repaving the footpath to tie in with the surrounding paved areas.

The council intends to provide new bus shelters with ‘green roofs’ to improve biodiversity, install new soft landscaping, and add heritage street lighting columns. 

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Pedestrian access will be maintained and Cllr Holder added: “We would like to remind residents and visitors that all local businesses will remain open as usual during this period.”

Traffic management operatives will be on-site to monitor access, assist pedestrians and motorists, and ensure the safety of the public and the workforce. 

The final phase of the works relates to the footpath works on Hill Street, outside the former bathroom shop and Kitchener’s Court.

If the weather permits, all works are anticipated to be completed before Christmas 2024 following the year-long project which began on January 15.