Overnight closures set as major roads in Swindon to undergo £3m improvements

Overnight closures will take place on key roads as part of £3 million improvement works to improve the pedestrian route between the train station and Railway Village.

The work, which will last until early 2024, is to start on Monday, September 25.

The main changes being made are to London Street and Sheppard Street near the town centre.

Both of the street’s underpasses will undergo improvements to drainage, as well as a new lighting design to the Sheppard Street underpass designed to make it safer for the public going to and from the station.

These streets run parallel to the railway tracks and are about 500 metres down the road from the station.

The council have also described some of the other improvements that are being made. The pavement in front of the Carriage Works is being widened, trees planted and the space outside the Bristol Street tunnel will be improved with new railings and planting.

Additionally, trees are being planted in Sheppard Street and a pocket park will be created outside the Sheppard Street underpass which links North Star with the town centre.

The work is being funded by the government’s Town Funds and will be undertaken by Fergal Contracting Company Ltd.

Both the underpasses and the roads will remain open while works take place and nighttime closures will take place near the end of the project for resurfacing.

Residents who use the parking bays on London Street will be provided parking in the Bristol Street car park while works are ongoing. This will be signposted to make it clear when parking is unavailable to the public.

Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Heritage, Art and Culture, said: “The Railway Village is a great historic part of the town and I’m keen for more people to know and appreciate it.

“Making the tunnels more attractive will create better connections between the town centre and areas north of the railway line like New College and the Outlet Centre, increasing footfall through the Railway Village.

“We’ve already seen great regeneration at the Carriage Works and GWR Park and I’m very pleased to see us continue the improvements with these two key underpasses and roads, which will create safe and welcoming travel routes for both cyclists and pedestrians.”