Council improves A360 with SSEN and National Highways works

A section of the A360, between the junction of The Avenue and Longbarrow junction on the A303, was closed from April 2 to allow SSEN to install underground electrical cables.

The carriageway was closed after 'problems' with the landowner regarding installing electrical cables on land adjacent to the road, hence why the A360 needed excavating, and the cables installed beneath the road structure.

This work was needed to supply electricity for National Highways’ planned A303 Amesbury to Berwick Down upgrade past Stonehenge, which will go ahead subject to a legal appeal against Judge Holgate’s dismissal of a judicial review last February.  

READ MORE: A360 closure caused by 'problems' with landowners and tunnel challenge

Wiltshire Council has also repaired potholes and made drainage improvements along the A360 while it has been closed. Repairs to kerbs, plus work on verges, sign replacements and the repainting of white lines also took place while the road was closed.

When approached on Saturday, July 6, National Highways was unaware that the road had reopened.

Andrew Clark, A303 Stonehenge project manager, said: "SSEN’s works on the A360 have come to an end following the successful installation of high-voltage cabling under the road between the Avenue roundabout and Longbarrow roundabout on the A303.  

Carriageway repairs and upgrades were also made while the road was closed (Image: Wiltshire Council)

“The surface of the road has been reinstated and the length of the road has been inspected and approved for reopening by Wiltshire Council. 

“Over the past few weeks, Wiltshire Council has also been carrying out additional improvement works on the A360 while the closure has been in place. This has included pothole and road edge repairs, and drainage improvements. We thank people for their patience during the works.”

SEE ALSO: Fisherton Street to close for further works as scheme is 'beginning to take shape'

The council is also planning to resurface and repaint the white lines at Stoford crossroads, but this work has been delayed by rain and will be rescheduled in the coming weeks.

Cabinet Member for Highways, Cllr Nick Holder, said: This is a great example of partnership working, and I'd like to thank both SSEN and National Highways for working with us to enable our teams to make these improvements to the road.

This project has caused some disruption for the local community, but by completing this work, including filling potholes and repairing kerbs, at the same time, we have helped to minimise future disruption for local people, meeting our Business Plan commitment to have well-connected communities.

"The road has reopened in a better state than it was when it was closed."

Project Manager for SSEN, Galina Katrandzhieva, said: "SSEN is always keen to work in partnership with local organisations to ensure that different sectors' projects can be carried out in tandem - reducing any future potential disruption.

"This project was carefully planned and scheduled to minimise disturbance, while maximising safety for engineers working on the road and for those accessing homes and businesses in the vicinity of the works.

"We would like to thank residents, business owners and visitors to the area for their patience and understanding while this work was carried out."