A36 at Limpley Stoke to close for 'essential safety improvement' works

National Highways is advising drivers that the A36 at Limpley Stoke will be closed for essential safety improvement works.  

From Monday, August 12 until Spring 2025, the A36 Warminster Road will be fully closed between Limpley Stoke and Monkton Coombe.

Work is required to stabilise the southbound embankment following cracking in the footpath alongside the carriageway. This will prevent further movement and keep the main carriageway safe.

During the closure, the government-owned company will also make improvements to the drainage to prevent future damage and reduce the need for more closures.

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

Work is required to stabilise the southbound embankment following cracking in the footpath alongside the carriageway (Image: National Highways)

The repair work will see 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.

During the closure 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.

SEE ALSO: Council improves A360 with SSEN and National Highways works

Senior Project Manager for National Highways, 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. 

“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 is 'working closely' with both Bath and North East Somerset Council, and Wiltshire County Council. All diversion routes have been agreed to keep disruption as minimal as possible.

Cabinet Member for Transport at Bath and North East Somerset Council, Councillor Manda Rigby, said: “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 with National Highways 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.”

For more information, including diversion routes, you can visit the scheme webpage here, contact the Contact Centre on 0300 123 5000 (open 24/7), who will direct your enquiry to the team, or email info@nationalhighways.co.uk.