More than 12,000 responses to Salisbury junction improvement proposals
Scheme aims to upgrade three key junctions in the city
Last updated 2nd Sep 2021
Wiltshire Council has published a report into the recent consultation on plans to upgrade three key junctions in Salisbury.
The ÂŁ15m scheme focuses on Exeter Street roundabout, Harnham Gyratory and the Park Wall junction and aims to improve journey times and reduce queues while improving facilities for walking and cycling.
A consultation and engagement exercise involving the public, businesses and stakeholders was held during June and July.
There was, as is to be expected, a mixed response to the scheme.
Salisbury City Council welcomed Wiltshire Council's commitment to easing the longstanding congestion problems at three site but raised five issues it wants addressed.
That includes removing the proposed signalised crossing at Churchill Way South adjacent to Exeter Street roundabout and making more of the informal path next to New Bridge Road rather than providing a new 4m wide path.
Harnham Neighbourhood Association stated the scheme is "accepted and overdue" whilst the Salisbury Area Greenspace Partnership "object in principle" and have "serious concerns"
Bus company Salisbury Reds want to see priority measures for buses and physical lanes considered.
One of the options being considered for Exeter Street roundabout has seen concerns raised by both Bishop Wordsworth's School and the Salisbury Civic society regarding the loss of a green environment in a sensitive part of the city.
Safety and speed of traffic on Old Harnham road was also raised.
You can read the full consultation report here: www.wiltshire.gov.uk/highways/salisbury-junctions
Cllr Mark McClelland, Cabinet Member for Transport, said:
“The initial consultation and engagement exercise was very useful, as it enabled us to tap into local knowledge to make changes to improve the scheme.
“We’re using the results of this engagement exercise as part of the outline business case that we’ll send to the Department for Transport (DfT) to move the project to the next stage.
“Once we’ve had feedback from DfT, we’ll develop the project in more detail. There will then be further opportunities for people to have their say and for their feedback to help us shape the scheme.
“This project will increase capacity on Salisbury’s transport network for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists, reduce delays and improve journey time reliability for all vehicles, including buses at the three junctions.”