National Highways unveils investment in A36 improvements in Salisbury

The investment over the next six years will start with a scheme to improve traffic flows around the St Paul’s, St Mark’s and Castle roundabouts.

The current, 32-year-old signals have reached the end of their operational life and will be replaced with modern, energy-efficient systems which will adapt in real time to waiting vehicles rather than following a fixed timer.

The project, starting on 19 January, will see the new adaptive traffic signals installed at the Castle and St Mark’s roundabouts, with a similar scheme planned for the St Paul’s roundabout in early summer.

Further road improvements along the strategic route in the coming years will include:

·       Resurfacing at the Castle and St Paul’s roundabouts and Wilton road;

·       Improved road markings and pavement renewal;

·       Upgrade of the Southampton Road pedestrian crossing;

·       Strengthening work to the Maltings access bridge;

·       Repairs to the Avon River bridge;

·       Replacement of the Victoria Road footbridge to improve accessibility;

·       Removal of the Wyndham Road footbridge, while all alternative options are explored.

The most impactful work has been planned to avoid Salisbury’s 2027 celebrations to mark its 800th Royal Charter year.

National Highways Route Manager Chris Hilldrup said: “The A36 is the main arterial route through Salisbury – carrying an average of 33,500 vehicles a day between the College and St Mark’s roundabouts – and helps connect the south coast with Bristol, Bath and London.

“Given insurmountable limitations on constructing a bypass for the city, it’s vital that we continue to maintain and improve the route, both for the economy, the travelling public and local communities.

“As part of this investment we’re carrying out a number of schemes which will reduce congestion, improve safety, create more reliable journey times and ultimately support Salisbury’s long-term economic growth.”

The first phase of the traffic signal work will take 11 weeks to complete, the second upgrade at the St Paul’s roundabout will be carried out between 1 June and 27 July, followed by essential resurfacing work at the Castle and St Paul’s roundabouts and Wilton road between 14 and 31 July.

For safety reasons, single lane and full lane closures will be operated during the day and overnight, with clearly signed diversions in place.

Maria Testa Borjon, National Highways Project Manager, added: “We appreciate that road closures can be frustrating, but we’re unable to carry out the work while the road is fully open to traffic and we’re carefully planning the programme with Wiltshire Council, Salisbury City Council and Southern Gas Networks, who are carrying out major gas mains renewals along the A36.

“We’ll be completing a number of the schemes this year, and are currently programming work to continue next year and beyond, although we are avoiding significant road closures in 2027 when the city will be celebrating the 800^th anniversary of the Magna Carta.

“In the meantime, we’re working closely with our partners to keep disruption to a minimum and thank drivers in advance for their co-operation and patience and advise people to plan ahead and allow a little extra time for their journeys.”

For more scheme details and diversion routes log on to National Highways’ dedicated web page.

And during the work, drivers can obtain live travel information on local radio, the @HighwaysSWEST Twitter feed, by phoning the National Highways Information Line on 0300 123 5000 or by accessing the Traffic England website. 

Notes to Editors

National Highways is the wholly government-owned company responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England’s motorways and major A roads.

Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is available via the Traffic England website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps. Local Twitter services are also available.

For further information please contact National Highways' press office (24hrs) on 0844 693 1448 and select the most appropriate option:

Option 1: National enquiries (9am to 5.30pm) and out of hours for urgent enquiries
Option 2: North West (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 3: Yorkshire and North East (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 4: West Midlands (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 5: East Midlands (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 6: East (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 7: South East (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 8: South West (9am to 5.30pm)