Diversions REVEALED for closure of Swindon's White Hart roundabout
It will be shut for 12 weeks
The diversions for drivers who will not be able to use the White Hart Roundabout have been published.
The junction will be closed completely for twelve weeks from August 16 except for emergency service vehicles and traffic moving from the A419 southbound to the A420 towards Oxford, for from the A420 west to the A419 southbound.
For other drivers there will be some significant mileage added to their journey,
For those who would normally use the White Hart junction to get on to the A4129 north, the signed diversion is along Drake’s Way from the Greenbridge roundabout, south along Queen’s Derive, across the Coate Roundabout to the Commonhead Roundabout to join the dual carriageway.
To get to the A420 drivers are advised to take that diversion head north to the Honda Junction, come back down the A419 south, where they can access the A420 eastbound.
Similarly, those coming from the Gablecross area through White Hart to town are asked to take the A419 south to Commonhead and use Queen’s Drive and Drake’s Way to get where they want to go.
It means those people used to using the half mile of Oxford Road between the western side of White Hart junction and Greenbridge Roundabout will have a diversion several miles longer.
The pedestrian footbridge will remain open at all times for use throughout the works.
'The pedestrian footbridge will remain open at all times'
St Margaret and South Marston councillor Russell Holland posted on Facebook: “The pedestrian footbridge will remain open at all times for use throughout the works.
“For the duration of these works a right turn will be permitted at the junction between Ermin Street and Oxford Road. This will operate under traffic signal control and single lane running. This is necessary because buses will need to travel in both directions between Ermin Street and Oxford Road.”
'Good luck to anyone travelling anywhere in Stratton'
On the Stratton Facebook page run by Coun Holland Ken Brand said: “It’s going to be quiet at home on Oxford Road but all the traffic from the 419 will obviously take the next exit onto the Highworth Road and then Swindon Road but that’s not already congested is it?
“I find it absolutely ridiculous that anyone would even consider closing access to Covingham Drive at the same time as closing White Hart roundabout, good luck to anyone travelling anywhere in Stratton when this starts."
Bob Harriss added: “I have a feeling that folk living on and around Oxford Road may grow to enjoy their new status as a quiet cul-de-sac.”
'Hopefully getting them sorted will reduce disruption'
But Sheena Herrington saw the need for the closure: “I think we’ve all known for some time that the foundations of the roundabout are not adequate, hopefully getting them sorted will reduce how often we have disruption in the future. Get it all done in one go and then we can relax for a while.”
Motorists will be asked to keep to the signed diversion.