Motorists travelling to and from Wichelstowe now have another way in and out of the growing Swindon development following the opening of Wichel Way this morning (Monday, 26 October).
The new road connects Wichelstowe with the area around Junction 16 of the M4, passing beneath the motorway through an underpass built as part of a multimillion-pound infrastructure project.
Previously known as the Wichelstowe Southern Access, the route has been several years in the making, with the final stretch completed by developers Wichelstowe LLP.
The road provides a connection between Hay Lane and Wharf Road, Redposts Drive to the north and Croft Road to the east, offering another option for those travelling in and out of the development.
A road built beneath a busy motorway
One of the more unusual parts of the project involved creating an entirely new underpass beneath the M4 without bringing motorway traffic to a standstill.
Rather than closing the motorway for an extended period, engineers built the outer structure and entrances before excavating beneath the carriageway to create the new route.
The work was carried out without any significant lane closures, despite the challenges of building directly underneath one of the region’s busiest roads.
Swindon Borough Council completed the underpass itself four years ago, but the connecting road into Wichelstowe, via Scott Way, remained unfinished.
That final section was the responsibility of Wichelstowe LLP, which has been constructing the road in stages as work on nearby housing has progressed.
With the last section now complete, motorists can use the full route for the first time.
More than just a road for cars
Wichel Way has also been designed with pedestrians and cyclists in mind, providing a new connection beneath the motorway for those travelling without a car.
Traffic calming measures have been installed along the road and will remain in place while housebuilding continues further south. As the development grows and additional junctions are created, these arrangements are expected to change.
There are also plans to introduce artwork inside the M4 underpass, potentially giving the entrance to Wichelstowe a more distinctive appearance. Any artwork would need approval from National Highways, which owns the underpass.
Supporting thousands of new homes
Wichelstowe is one of Swindon’s largest housing developments, with around 4,000 homes planned alongside a district centre and newly created sections of the Wilts & Berks Canal.
The new road was a requirement of the wider development’s planning permission and is intended to provide the additional transport connections needed as more residents move into the area.
Councillor Nick Gardiner, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, welcomed the opening, describing it as the result of years of work.
He said: “The opening of Wichel Way marks the completion of a major piece of infrastructure for Wichelstowe and the culmination of many years of work.”
He also praised the engineering involved in constructing the underpass while keeping the M4 open.
“We can now see the full benefit of that work, with a new route that will improve access to Wichelstowe, while also providing new walking and cycling links across the M4.”
Councillor Gardiner added that suitable transport connections would be essential as thousands more homes are built across the development.
Almost £29 million invested
The Wichelstowe Southern Access scheme was supported by £22.9 million in Department for Transport funding, allocated through the former Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership.
Swindon Borough Council contributed a further £5.8 million, bringing the combined funding to £28.7 million.
For those already living in Wichelstowe, the opening means another route is finally available after years of construction work.
With further housing planned, the new connection is also expected to play an important part in how the area develops over the coming years.
