Chaos caused by roadworks (ref : Journal Aug 22) heralds potential difficulties for our wellbeing when considering what is to come and what is needed.

Last year, the main route to Salisbury Hospital over Harnham Bridge was closed by a private road contractor.

A sign put up did not indicate when the closure was scheduled for. 

No notice was given to residents of Old Harnham, when it would have been obvious traffic would have to be diverted via a single carriageway C13th bridge and past a solid line of residents cars (some were damaged).

Utter chaos erupted. Traffic management was non existent. 

The 8pm closure coincided with the staff change at the hospital. Ambulances had to reroute via Wilton and Downton putting the seriously injured/ ill at increased risk due to the 20 mins extra journey time.

Design work is in progress concerning the Gyratory and Exeter complex at Harnham.

A major consideration has to be how the approved scheme is implemented in order to avoid the kind  of chaos citizens have experienced.

I am advised that safety and appointment of a contractor is the matter currently under consideration.

Concern exists about a new phenomena ,namely huge often articulated HGVs with signs about limited visibility. In Hampshire a local HGV driver was killed.

Every road user deserves roads to be fit for purpose. Highways England have openly stated that Salisbury’ infrastructure is not fit for purpose and the A36 neglected.

At Exeter roundabout the traffic lanes are of insufficient width to take double decker buses and the aforementioned HGVs. At the Gyratory a school route is narrow and dangerously close to all traffic.

The Council has recognised this but detail is not shown. It is oft said the devil is in the detail. 

Cost of work is cited, however one has to ask why was £20m rejected from central government on the basis it was not needed? £3m to do the job could well not be sufficient. 

Drawings do not show land levels that infer there could be a need for a retaining wall structure to the three proposed traffic lanes now proposed running South. 

In my view essential to any implementation plan.

A footbridge which I have researched, would last year have cost £300,000 fitted to on site prepared bearings and would mean the New Bridge foot-ways could be used to widen traffic lanes at a danger point.

It does depend on the bridge edge having sufficient strength but no structural survey was done that included the foot-ways. 

Scars in the road tell you that. Strengthening in my opinion would not be difficult.

I totally object to detail design being left to highway contractors who have no contact with local people who are aware of how their infrastructure performs or does not.

I cannot find details for an infrastructure master plan for Salisbury on the Council website.

It needs to exist no matter how long term. Agencies need to work together. Piecemeal thinking has to go.

Gregor Condliffe RIBA

Chair, Harnham Neighbourhood Association

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