A new road which provides an additional route into and out of Wichelstowe has opened to motorists after developers completed the final section of the scheme.
Wichel Way, formally known as the Wichelstowe Southern Access, provides a connection from the Wichelstowe development through an underpass beneath the M4 motorway to Junction 16.
The opening of the road marks the completion of a major infrastructure project delivered by Swindon Borough Council, designed to support the long-term growth of Wichelstowe, one of Swindon’s largest housing developments.
At the heart of the scheme was a major feat of engineering to construct a completely new underpass beneath the M4 while keeping motorway traffic moving above.
Engineers first constructed the outer structure and entrances before excavating the underpass and building the new road beneath the motorway. Advanced engineering methods enabled this complex work to take place without the need for any significant lane closures.
A requirement of the planning permission for the wider Wichelstowe development, the new access route crosses beneath the M4 to the east of Junction 16 and provides a connection between Hay Lane and Wharf Road, Redposts Drive to the north and Croft Road to the east.
The council completed construction of the M4 underpass four years ago but, as part of the wider development, the final connection into Wichelstowe via Scott Way was the responsibility of the developers, Wichelstowe LLP, who have built the connecting road in phases alongside new housing.
The new road includes traffic calming measures, which will remain in place until housebuilding moves further south and new junctions are created.
In addition to providing a new route for motorists, the scheme includes dedicated facilities for cyclists and pedestrians, creating a new link across the M4 and improving connectivity for sustainable travel.
The underpass beneath the M4 is owned by National Highways and, subject to its approval, artwork will be commissioned to turn it into a welcoming gateway into Wichelstowe.
The wider Wichelstowe development is expected to deliver around 4,000 homes, a new district centre and newly-created sections of the Wilts & Berks Canal.
The Wichelstowe Southern Access scheme was funded through £22.9 million from the Department for Transport via the former Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership, alongside a £5.8mn contribution from the council.
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Cllr Nick Gardiner, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “The opening of Wichel Way marks the completion of a major piece of infrastructure for Wichelstowe and the culmination of many years of work.
“Creating an entirely new route beneath the M4 was a significant feat of engineering. The underpass was constructed while keeping motorway traffic moving and avoiding any significant lane closures, which was an impressive achievement given the scale and complexity of the project.
“We can now see the full benefit of that work, with a new route that will improve access to Wichelstowe, while also providing new walking and cycling links across the M4.
“With thousands more homes planned in the area, it’s important we have the right transport connections in place to support the community as it continues to grow.”
Image: Swindon Borough Council
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