A key road through one of Wiltshire’s most historic landscapes is closed for urgent repairs following a dramatic incident where a high-performance car struck a pothole, ripping a wheel from the axle. The closure on the A346 between Cadley and Marlborough, cutting through Savernake Forest, underscores the persistent challenge of road maintenance on rural routes.
Urgent Carriageway Works Close A346
Wiltshire Council has implemented a full closure of the A346 in this section, citing the need for “urgent carriageway patching and other associated works.” The repair operation commenced at 9:30am and is currently scheduled for completion by 3:00pm on Friday, February 27. However, the council’s formal closure notice allows for a maximum duration of five days should unforeseen complications arise, highlighting the unpredictable nature of such infrastructure interventions.
Incident Precipitates Emergency Action
This emergency works programme follows a specific and severe incident on this very stretch of road. Driver Andrew McQueen recounted to this publication that his Aston Martin suffered catastrophic damage after striking a pothole, an event that resulted in the vehicle’s wheel being torn off. “We felt lucky to be alive,” McQueen stated, emphasising the danger posed by the road’s deteriorating condition. His account, involving his 10-year-old daughter as a passenger, provides a stark, first-hand experience of the risks associated with significant surface defects.
Council Response and Reporting System
Cllr Martin Smith, Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for highways, responded to the incident. “I am very sorry to hear about this incident which has not been reported to Wiltshire Council,” he said, acknowledging a gap in the formal reporting process. He confirmed the council’s awareness of the A346’s condition and the initiation of targeted emergency repairs in the area where the damage occurred.
Cllr Smith directed residents to the official reporting channel, stressing the importance of public input in identifying hazards. “If people see a pothole on Wiltshire’s roads, they should report it using the MyWilts reporting system,” he advised. Reports can be submitted via the dedicated MyWilts smartphone app for Apple or Android devices, or online at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/mywilts. This system is the primary mechanism for the council to log and prioritise highway defects based on verified public submissions.
The temporary closure, while disruptive, is presented as a necessary measure to address a critical safety concern on a road that serves both local communities and tourist traffic through the renowned Savernake Forest. Travellers are advised to plan alternative routes and allow for additional journey time during the works period.
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