DRIVERS are being advised to plan ahead as major improvement works on the A36 in Salisbury will bring traffic diversions at three of the city’s busiest roundabouts.

National Highways begins the first stage of a £23 million investment project in January, upgrading traffic signals at St Paul’s, Castle and St Mark’s roundabouts.

New digital, adaptive traffic lights will be installed, and the project includes improved road markings and resurfacing works at St Paul’s and Castle roundabouts, as well as part of Wilton Road.

National Highways says the new signals will help improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.

The scheme also includes the highly contentious decision to remove Wyndham Road footbridge, while alternative options are explored.

Wyndham Road footbridge. Photo: National Highways

Residents and councillors have been rallying to save the bridge, or have it replaced, citing that for many it is a main access route to the city centre.

Campaigners have established a group, and a meeting to discuss the future of the bridge at The Guildhall last month drew more than 200 people.

Cllr Sharon Rideout for Salisbury St Francis and Stratford has joined the fight, conducting surveys on its usage, while mayor Cllr John Wells called it “a really important piece of infrastructure”.

National Highways has committed to repairing Avon River bridge and replacing Victoria Road footbridge to improve accessibility.

Victoria Road footbridge. Photo: National Highways

The first phase of the traffic signal work will take 11 weeks to complete, the second upgrade at the St Paul’s roundabout will be carried out between June 1 and July 27, followed by essential resurfacing work at the Castle and St Paul’s roundabouts and Wilton Road between July 14 and 31.

Single and full lane closures will be operating during the day and overnight, with clearly signed diversions in place.

National Highways has warned that dates may change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.

Around 33,500 vehicles travel between College and St Mark’s roundabouts every day, making the route one of the city’s busiest.

The works form part of a wider investment to upgrade the A36 through Salisbury over the next six years to make journeys safer, smoother and more reliable while supporting the city’s economic growth.