Local MP for Frome and East Somerset, Anna Sabine, has united with Brian Mathew, MP for Melksham and Devizes, in calling for an immediate review of the proposed closure of the A36 at Limpley Stoke, scheduled to last for seven months starting August 12. 

The closure, announced by National Highways on July 11, will see the A36 entirely shut down between Limpley Stoke and the viaduct at Monkton Combe from mid-August 2024 until Spring 2025. 

Work is required to stabilise the embankment following cracking in the footpath alongside the southbound carriageway. This will prevent further movement and reduce the risk of damage to the main carriageway.

While the road is closed, National Highways will be working to install a new concrete piled wall and capping beam to stabilise the embankment. New drainage, a new pavement, and netting on the rock above the carriageway will also be installed. There will also be repairs to retaining walls and to the viaduct itself.

Anna Sabine, MP for Frome and East Somerset, said: “This is a hugely impactful road closure, and we have been given an unacceptably short amount of notice. People commuting to Frome are expected to follow a 21-mile diversion via Chippenham, but in practice, many will divert through villages like Norton St Philip and Hinton Charterhouse, or through local towns like Midsomer Norton.

“I am particularly worried about the impact on villages where many roads are already narrow or blocked by parked cars, which may come to a complete standstill with heavy additional traffic. I want National Highways to significantly increase the mitigation they have planned, including providing staffing to help with suitable diversions.”

National Highways has stated that the work is necessary to stabilise the embankment following cracking in the footpath alongside the southbound carriageway. This stabilisation is intended to prevent further movement and reduce the risk of damage to the main carriageway.

However, the plan to divert traffic from Frome through Melksham and Chippenham on a 21-mile detour has been widely condemned by both residents and local councillors.

National Highways senior project manager Hugh Campbell said: “Safety is our number one priority, and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause but need to fix the root of the problem to ensure it doesn’t happen again and that motorists and pedestrians remain safe at all times.”

He added: “We understand that road closures are frustrating, but by fully closing the road, we can get this scheme done safely and quickly, causing less disruption overall. Once it’s all complete, these improvements will benefit road users and the local community for many years to come.”

Manda Rigby, Bath and North East Somerset Council’s cabinet member for highways, added: “Unfortunately these are significant works to repair an ongoing issue that will be disruptive for a period of time but what National Highways are doing is absolutely essential. We’ve worked closely to make sure suitable diversions are put in place, the works cause as little disruption as possible and that residents will be kept informed throughout the project.”