Motorists using the White Hart roundabout will be happy to learn that Swindon Borough Council are confident the current works, scheduled to be completed next month, are on track to do so.
The resurfacing works at the Gablecross roundabout will be completed which will then allow all lanes to be opened and the traffic lights on the White Hart roundabout to be turned on.
One of the biggest questions we have been asked with all of these works, especially as this seemingly controversial decision has helped increase traffic on the yet to be completed roundabout, ‘Why was the old slip road closed onto the A419?
The ‘improvements’ to the White Hart junction has seen the creation of a dedicated northbound slip road onto the A419and the closure of the old Merlin Way slip road.
The closure of this slip road now sees motorists who would have previously exited at this junction having to continue up the carriageway adding additional traffic to the unfinished roundabout to come backwards to maybe finish their journey in Covingham, Dorcan or even Wanborough.
A Swindon Borough Council spokesperson has promised that ‘when the works have been completed’ the new junction, ‘will provide a safer and quicker connection to the A419.’
‘The new slip road has been designed to meet National Highways’ current design standards as it feeds on to its main road network something the old Merlin Way slip road didn’t do’ they said.
‘Being shorter in length, the old junction did not make it easy for vehicles to accelerate onto the dual carriageway, particularly HGVs, safely.’
After calls from some residents to keep the Merlin Way slip road open while lane restrictions are still in place on the White Hart junction the Swindon Borough Council spokesperson confirmed it was not an option.
‘Unfortunately, we cannot keep it open on safety grounds as the signage is in place to direct traffic to the new slip road.
‘It would also extend the length of time the contractor would be on site if the slip road was closed at the end of the scheme, adding to the overall cost.’
