A350 Chippenham Upgrade: Roadworks Resume After Christmas Break
Remember those A350 improvements in Chippenham? They’re officially back in action after the holiday pause! Crews are back on site, working hard to turn the remaining single-lane sections into a modern dual carriageway.
The Two Big Jobs
The upgrade is happening in two main chunks:
Phase 1: Stretching between the Bumpers Farm and Cepen Park South roundabouts.
Phase 2: Covering the area between the Chequers and Lackham roundabouts.
January’s Progress Report
Contractor MJ Church just shared what they got up to in January:
Building the Road’s Bones
Crews were busy constructing the base structure of the new road. This is like laying the groundwork for everything that comes next.
Drains & Ditches
Lots of new surface drainage channels went in. These are super important – they whisk rainwater away quickly, helping to prevent flooding and keep the road safer when it’s wet.
Fixing the Sides
Workers repaired embankments (the sloped sides of the road) to make sure everything stays stable and secure.
Middle & Edges Taking Shape
They prepped sections of the central reservation (that grassy or barrier bit in the middle) and installed new kerbs along parts of the route – shaping the road’s boundaries.
Getting Ready for Tarmac
Some parts of the route had their surfaces carefully prepared, getting them ready for the final smooth layer of tarmac.
Going Green on the Job Site
A cool milestone hit in January: the arrival of MJ Church’s first Hydrogen Hybrid excavator!
Why’s this a big deal?
- It uses way less diesel fuel.
- It cuts down on harmful emissions.
- It makes the whole construction process cleaner and more planet-friendly.
Roadworks on the A350 (Image: Trevor Porter)
A Smoother, Safer Ride Ahead
A project spokesperson summed it up: “Work on the A350 is powering ahead, and January was packed. These upgrades are all about making the journey safer, smoother, and better for every driver, cyclist, and pedestrian using it.”
They also gave a shoutout: “We really appreciate the patience of local residents, businesses, and everyone travelling through while we get this essential work done.”
Image Credit: www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk
