RESURFACING works on Devizes Road are now underway, met with some concerns from residents and councillors.

The first phase of a three-year project, addressing the poor surface condition of the A360, started on Monday January 10, between the Royal Oak pub and the Harper Road junction.

As a result Devizes Road is closed every weekday between 7am and 6pm until January 28, with diversions in place for motorists and bus services.

Bus routes affected by the works include the R1, R10 and 66, and the B1, B6, D2 and 663 school services.

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Users of the road have taken to social media to express their concerns with the resurfacing works and closure, highlighting issues of traffic, children getting to school on time, and accessiblity to the area as a resident or business.

Others have added they were not informed of the closure in advance.

Despite this, Mary Webb, councillor for the ward, said: “As yet I’ve not received any comments from residents but I’m aware there is some frustrations around congestion at busy times.

“Initially the diversions were not clearly understood which didn’t help.

“My concern is around drivers using smaller side roads trying to avoid the congestion and many of these side roads are used for children going to school.”

Talking about areas that required similar attention, Cllr Webb added: “Sadly many pavements are in a worse condition than the roads and I would love to see a programme of repairs for them as well.”

Cllr Caroline Corbin, also mayor of Salisbury, added that some residents in her neighbouring division of Bemerton Heath were “concerned initially”.

She hopes “once this piece of work is completed disruption will end and nothing else will be scheduled for some time”.

Welcoming the works, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for transport Dr Mark McClelland previously said: “The nature of the work does mean that road closures are required between 7am and 6pm daily.

"The extent of the closure is from the roundabout with Ramaleaze Drive to St Pauls roundabout and the diversion route is using The Avenue and A36.

"Having this extended daily works period does mean that the resurfacing will be completed more quickly than if the closure period was reduced to 9am to 3.30pm.

“Residents were written to informing them of the arrangements and advanced signing was erected warning motorists.”

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