Salisbury residents can expect disruption until the end of the week as part of London Road remains closed to pedestrians.

Cranes and heavy good vehicles will be used to remove and transport carriages today from Salisbury double train collision which happened on October 31. 

The section of the A30 London Road between St Mark’s Avenue and Barrington Road has been shut since November 1st, and yesterday at midday it shut for pedestrians too. 

This is to allow heavy goods vehicles and machinery involved in the recovery of the train to access the area, including a crane which will be situated at the edge of the local allotments.

The first train has already been recovered, as we have reported on in our LIVE UPDATES on the train crash removal process. 

British Transport Police reported yesterday that after a full health and safety assessment it was "deemed too dangerous to allow pedestrians access to the road while this takes place".  

A spokesperson said: "Local officers will be located throughout the area engaging with the community, schools and visitors to the cemetery and explaining the need to keep the section of road closed for everyone’s safety."

They also confirmed that due to limited daylight hours, there will be noise disruption for local residents between 8am and 4pm whilst the recovery operation takes place.

Disruption to trains is likely to continue until November 15, which is later than the origional time scale for rail disruption given, while engineers work to repair any damage to the railway.

British Transport Police Superintendent Chris Horton said: “I’d like to pay a huge, heartfelt thank you to residents in the area for their patience and understanding while we continue with this phase of the operation.

“We fully understand the hindrance caused by this closure and having considered all possible alternatives, have no other option available to us.

He added that officers have been working “tirelessly to ensure as little disruption to the lives of the local community as possible" and they will restore full access as soon as possible.

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council thanked everyone in Salisbury for their  “support, patience and understanding" regarding the traffic issues caused by the London Road closure. 

He said: “We know any delays are frustrating, but the teams on site have done an excellent job in difficult and unique circumstances to respond to this major incident, which is another fine example of close working between public sector partners.

“Our thoughts continue to go out to those affected by the train derailment, and we wish them all a fast and full recovery.”

The Mayor of the City of Salisbury, Cllr Caroline Corbin said: “Having seen the challenging site myself, I am very grateful for all the hard work that many individuals from different organisations have done to throughout this incident. 

“Everyone is now working to keep disruption to a minimum and I would like to thank Salisbury’s residents for their patience and understanding.  My thoughts are with all of those who are affected by this incident.”

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