Residents and businesses in Swindon’s Old Town are being urged to plan ahead as a major gas network upgrade is set to bring road closures and disruption to one of the town’s busiest streets this summer.
Devizes Road, which runs through the heart of Old Town, will be closed from 30th June through to 10th October 2025 as part of a large-scale infrastructure project carried out by Wales & West Utilities.
The work involves replacing a stretch of ageing gas pipes hidden beneath the road surface – some of which have been in place for decades.
Although roadworks are rarely met with celebration, the project is being described as a necessary step to protect the long-term safety and reliability of gas supplies in the area. It also forms part of the wider plan to future-proof the network in readiness for cleaner energy alternatives, including hydrogen and biomethane.
Councillor Chris Watts, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment and Transport, said: “This work is going to cause major inconvenience to everyone who uses Devizes Road and those that live and work nearby, but the gas pipes underneath the road are 80 years old and need to be replaced for the safety of both local businesses and residents.
“As a council we are keen to provide as much support as we can to businesses during the road closure and we are working with the Old Town Business Association to look at what we can do to help. Exact details of how the work will be phased are still being worked through by Wales & West and I have asked them to provide these as soon as possible to all those affected.”
The closure is expected to impact access routes in and out of Old Town, with diversions set to take drivers into the town centre circling Regent Circus and coming into or out of Old Town via Drove Road.
Businesses on and around Devizes Road will remain open, though visitors are advised to allow extra time and check their routes before setting off.
Key Details:
- Location: Devizes Road, Old Town, Swindon
- Work: Replacement of ageing gas pipes
- Company: Wales & West Utilities
- Timeline: 30 June (08:00) – 10 October (23:59)
- Contact: Customer Service: 0800 912 2999 / Gas Emergency: 0800 111 999
www.wwutilities.co.uk/?ref=TheSwindonian
In the meantime, Old Town continues to thrive – and businesses are calling on residents to keep supporting their local high street during the summer months.
It may take a bit more effort to get there, but they say it’ll be worth it.
