NATIONAL Highways is warning drivers that the A36 at Limpley Stoke will be closed until next spring so safety improvement work can be completed.

Work is required to stabilise the southbound embankment following cracking in the footpath alongside the road, preventing further movement and keeping the main carriageway safe.

Originally closed in August for nine weeks, the road was reopened in October to allow for essential works to take place on the A350 and M4.

To ensure the works are undertaken safely, the A36 Warminster Road was fully closed between Limpley Stoke and Monkton Coombe from 9pm on Sunday, November 10. It will remain closed until next spring.

A diversion will be in place for northbound traffic via A361, A350 and A4. For taller vehicles, please use the A36, A4, A4174, M32, M4, A350 and A361. Southbound should follow the same routes in reverse.

While work is carried out, access will be maintained to properties within the closure, with traffic marshals on hand to help.

After cracking was first discovered in the footpath of the A36 between Limpley Stoke Viaduct and Limpley Stoke Village. Survey works were undertaken to assess the cause and extent of the issue.

The repair work will seen the installation of a concrete piled wall and capping beam to stabilise the embankment, as well as new drainage and pavement. The works will require clearing vegetation and excavation of the cracked pavement sections.

The team will also install netting on the rock cutting above the northbound carriageway as well as undertaking repairs to the viaduct and retaining walls in the area.

During the first closure stage, the team completed vegetation clearance, utility work, and enabling works such as rock descaling.

Piling for a retained wall that will stabilise the carriageway will start immediately and last until February, with drainage improvements to the carriageway also taking place.

Hugh Campbell, senior project manager for National Highways, 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. 

“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.”

National Highways, the government-owned company responsible for modernising, maintaining, and operating England’s motorways and major A roads, is collaborating closely with Bath and North East Somerset Council and Wiltshire County Council to minimise disruption. All diversion routes have been carefully planned and agreed upon by all parties.

For more information, including diversion routes, you can visit the dedicated scheme webpage https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/south-west/a36-limpley-stoke-carriageway-repairs-and-stabilisation/

Contact National Highways’ Contact Centre on 0300 123 5000 (open 24/7), who will direct your enquiry to the team, or email:[email protected].