As part of the wider improvement works we have been working collaboratively with Wales & West Utilities to facilitate the replacement of some of the old gas mains running around the junction. While not necessary for the layout improvement works, the pipes have been in need of replacement for some time. This week, a directional drilling machine was used to install the new pipelines across the roads, negating the need for temporary traffic lights on Swindon Road and Hay Lane during the works on this occasion. By working together disruption to road users has been kept to a minimum because these replacement works will not now need to be done on a separate occasion.
The overnight closures of the eastbound off-slip went ahead on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week. All the works were completed, and if you are a regular user of the route you will already be aware that the project’s first section of new road is now in use, as traffic has been switched to the new section to allow works to proceed on the existing slip road surface.
The imported clay is now up to 17,500 cubic metres, so that’s another 10,000 cubic metres, or 90 double decker buses full, in the last couple of weeks. The rate at which this operation proceeds will vary week by week, as it depends on a number of factors including the weather, resources, and what else is happening on site. We will keep you up to date.
For further information about the Junction 16 works please visit: www.swindon.gov.uk/junction16