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This time it's the A350.
Government removes proposed A350 Melksham Bypass from funding programme.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has written to Wiltshire Council to confirm that the proposed A350 Melksham Bypass has been removed from its Major Road Network (MRN) and Large Local Majors (LLM) Programme, meaning the scheme will not progress through the current funding process.
The decision was made after DfT reviewed road schemes across the country. As part of that review, the Melksham Bypass was assessed as offering lower overall value for money than other schemes in the programme.
The proposed bypass has been a longstanding priority for the council, as the A350 is one of the county’s most important transport routes, connecting the south coast with the M4 and the Midlands, while also serving local communities and businesses.
The scheme was intended to address long-standing issues by easing congestion, reducing journey times, improving road safety, and reducing impacts on air quality and noise.
Lucy Townsend, Chief Executive, said: “We are very disappointed by this decision, although we knew there was the potential for major highways schemes to be withdrawn following a review of projects across the country.
“The A350 is a strategically important route for Wiltshire and beyond, and we know many residents, businesses and stakeholders have long supported improvements to address congestion and other transport challenges in and around Melksham.
“While the Government has decided not to take this scheme forward through the current funding programme, this does not prevent it from being considered again in the future should a suitable funding opportunity arise.
“We will take time to review the decision and consider any future opportunities that may help address the long-standing transport challenges on the A350 corridor.”
The bypass project has been under development for a number of years following funding from DfT to investigate options for improving conditions on the A350 through Melksham and Beanacre.
The council will review the Government’s decision and consider any future opportunities that may emerge to address the transport challenges facing the A350 corridor.