Change made to plans to improve three key junctions in Salisbury
The council has confirmed which option its going with for Exeter Street junction
Last updated 24th Sep 2021
Wiltshire Council have decided which option they are progressing with in relation to the planned upgrades to three Salisbury junctions.
They asked the public for their views on the improvements to Exeter Street Roundabout, Harnham Gyratory and Park Wall Junction.
On Exeter Street, they gave people two potential options to give their views on:
Option 1 would mean that motor vehicles would exit and enter the junction as they do in the existing layout.
Option 2 would involve a new arm next to the cathedral wall and it would require the removal of up to three trees.
After a consultation and more than 1,200 responses, Wiltshire Council have decided that they are going to drop option 2 and submit the first one to the Department for Transport.
Concerns were raised by both Bishop Wordsworth's School and the Salisbury Civic society regarding the creation of a new arm next to the Cathedral.
The council will also look into the need or otherwise for a signal-controlled pedestrian and cycling crossing of Churchill Way South.
Cllr Dr Mark McClelland, Cabinet Member for Transport, said:
“We’re preparing an outline business case for the Salisbury junction improvements project, and the responses we received to the consultation will help to shape that – which is why we’ve listened to local residents and chosen Option 1 at Exeter Street.
“We know we can’t resolve all of Salisbury’s traffic problems with this scheme, but we can make a difference to the roads that we are responsible for, and that is why we’re planning to make these changes to improve capacity at the junctions for motorists, while also making them safer for cyclists and walkers. We’ll also continue to work with National Highways, which manages the A36, to improve the flow of traffic in and around the city.
“We received a total of 1,214 comments on different aspects of the scheme, with 290 people and organisations taking the time to complete the online questionnaire and a further 67 people sending us emails with their comments.
“We’re now undertaking further traffic modelling and economic assessments to ensure the outline business case, which will be submitted to DfT in December, is as robust as it can be. We’ll also be holding further consultation on the scheme as it progresses.”
You can read the full consultation report here: www.wiltshire.gov.uk/highways/salisbury-junctions.
On Thursday 30th September, the local authority will provide an update on the scheme at an area board meeting.