Salisbury Fisherton Gateway: Areas to be completed within weeks
We've been getting an update on the work from Wiltshire Council
We've been getting a progress report on Salisbury's Fisherton Gateway project, with some of the works soon to be finished.
Wiltshire Council's been working on site since last August.
The scheme aims to modernise and improve the main walking route between Salisbury train station and the city centre.
It's been causing a fair bit of disruption though, with the one-way traffic system in place and local shops having barriers and blockages in front of their businesses.
We're told the section between the Fisherton Bridge and Summerlock Approach will be finished in the coming weeks - with just some grouting of the pavement to be finished.
Then by June, works between Water Lane and the United Reformed Church will be completed.
The project will then move up to the railway bridge area and South Western Road.
But that part will bring further disruption - with two-way temporary traffic lights at the Fisherton Street railway bridge and on South Western Road.
The one-way traffic system down Fisherton Street and into the city centre will also remain in place throughout the additional works.
Cllr Nick Holder, Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Street Scene and Flooding, said:
“We are nearing a key milestone where one side of Fisherton Street will be finished with the exception of the Malthouse Lane junction which will be completed later in the summer. As we move to work on South Western Road and the other side of Fisherton Street, contractors Milestone will continue to liaise with those businesses closest to the works to ensure their customers have access to their premises and deliveries can be made. Fisherton Street is very much open for business.
“There’s no doubt about it, this has been a challenging scheme. We’ve had unchartered and shallow utility services which in some cases have been so close to the kerb line, an adjustment to the design was needed or a change to the methodology was required as it was not safe to use the excavator as extensively as originally planned. As well as several gas leaks from ageing infrastructure, the on-site team have also had to wait for utility companies to either remove pipes which are no longer required or to move their assets so work can continue.
“One of our Business Plan priorities is to have vibrant, well-connected communities and we are well on our way to achieving this in Salisbury. We are currently still aiming for a summer completion, although it’s likely to be towards the end of the summer subject to encountering any further utility challenges. We apologise for the disruption and are unable to accelerate the programme of works as this would involve closing off parts of Fisherton Street causing a greater impact on traffic, businesses and local people in the area.
“We would like to thank local businesses and residents for bearing with us and for their continued co-operation in delivering this important scheme for Salisbury.”