A four-week road closure on Hook Road at the Coped Hall junction is set to trigger significant disruption for drivers and residents alike in Wiltshire, with officials warning of possible "chaos" during the replacement of gas mains. Scheduled to commence on Monday, November 18, this closure is part of Wales and West Utilities' efforts to upgrade aging infrastructure and adhere to safety regulations. The necessary gas main replacement is mandated, with the directive stating all metallic mains must be replaced within 30 meters of residential properties by 2030.
The closure will divert drivers over 7.5 miles, creating additional traffic on nearby roads. Authorities express concern some drivers might navigate through unsuitable and narrow lanes like Flaxlands Lane and Hook Street, putting neighborhood safety at risk. Cllr Steve Bucknell, local representative of Royal Wootton Bassett East, emphasized the chaos likely to ensue, pointing out the closure will restrict access not only to residential areas but also to significant local businesses, such as Marsh Farm Hotel and the nearby care home.
"This is going to be absolute chaos," voiced Shelley Decker, a local resident who commutes frequently between Hook and Bassett. Other frustrated residents echoed her sentiments, labeling the closure as "ridiculous" and stressing the inconvenience it brings with increased fuel costs and delays. Susie Griffin remarked, "It's unacceptable for residents and will add petrol and time costs to everyone. I strongly object to this closure," capturing the collective outrage brewing among the community.
The initial implementation phase includes temporary traffic lights, causing delays even before the full closure starts, with residents remaining skeptical about the timeline and the efficiency of the diversions. Some drivers are already reporting problems with the interim light signals at Coped Hall, indicating the situation has become untenable even prior to the complete road closure. "I travel from Hook to Bassett multiple times each day. This is going to be an absolute nightmare," Decker continued, shedding light on the anticipated backlash from the local population.
Wales and West Utility representatives have responded to the rising tensions surrounding the impending disruptions, noting the urgency of the project and its importance for ensuring reliable service. According to officials, this gas main is classified as Tier One, which prioritizes its repair and replacement. They also clarified the chosen methodology for the replacement: using moling techniques rather than traditional open-cut trenches. This choice was made to minimize disruption and potential prolongation of the closure, with the traditional method estimated to stretch the duration of the work to up to six weeks.
Despite the insistence on the necessity of these works, local officials and residents find themselves grappling with the practicality of the execution. A spokesperson for Wiltshire Council stated, "We understand local concerns and have challenged the need for four weeks to undertake the work. I am satisfied they are unable to reduce the program any more – they would if they could." This response, though reassuring about safety concerns, does little to alleviate the frustrations voiced by residents.
Local inhabitants face the stark reality of these works concluding just before the holiday period, with Cllr Bucknell noting imposing challenges related to access to local facilities and events, including the Flaxlands Solar Park consultation occurring at Hook Village Hall.
With impending work associated with the gas mains replacement and increasing complaints from citizens about how the diversion routes are set to exacerbate delays, local authorities are being closely monitored. The council has acknowledged the pressure on roads connecting Royal Wootton Bassett with neighboring areas, preparing for repercussions on local traffic flow. Vulnerability related to potential gridlock stands as residents, commuters, and businesses await the unforeseen complications arising from the closure.
Looking forward, those residing near the affected zones hope for transparency and timely updates from council officials as they traverse the uncertainty of the upcoming month. Meanwhile, the closure draws closer, and skepticism lingers concerning the perceived ability of local authorities to navigate traffic efficiently without adverse consequences.
