Drivers on the A46 north of Bath are set to see a significant overhaul of one of the region’s busiest arterial routes, as National Highways rolls out a £6m programme of safety and reliability improvements.
The investment will focus on the stretch between the London Road roundabout junction and the Cold Ashton roundabout – a route used daily by more than 20,000 vehicles, carrying commuters, deliveries and freight between Bath and the M4.
The works, due to take place over the coming months, will include full resurfacing, upgraded drainage to reduce flood risk, clearer road markings and improved signage. New chevron signs will also be installed at Hartley Bends, a section of road long associated with safety concerns.
Sean Walsh, National Highways Route Manager, said the improvements were essential to keeping the route fit for purpose:
“More than 20,000 drivers use this route every day for work, home deliveries and the movement of goods and services, so it’s essential we continue to provide the essential maintenance and upgrades needed to make sure journeys remain safe and reliable.”
The project will be delivered in phases. Initial work begins on 18 January with ground investigation surveys and monitoring equipment installed at Charmy Down, laying the groundwork for future upgrades. Later in the year, further phases will see drainage improvements near Four Winds Farm and resurfacing works at Hartley Bends.
As with most major road schemes, disruption will be unavoidable. Overnight closures will be in place on the A46 between Cold Ashton roundabout and the London Road junction from 18 January to 20 March, Monday to Friday, between 8pm and 6am. Signed diversion routes will take drivers via the A420 (Marshfield), A350 and A4 (Corsham/Box).
At Charmy Down, lane closures will be in effect on the three-lane section of road, with contraflow arrangements allowing one lane in each direction.
National Highways says access to properties within the closure zone will be maintained throughout, with site teams available to escort residents and businesses through the works as needed.
Road users are being advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys, particularly as closures may change at short notice due to weather conditions. Live updates are available via the Traffic England website and National Highways’ daily closures service.
The A46 forms part of the south-western strategic road network and plays a crucial role in linking the south coast with Bristol, Bath and London, while also carrying a heavy volume of local traffic.
National Highways said the improvements would not only make journeys safer and smoother, but also reduce the likelihood of future unplanned closures – a promise many regular users of the route will be hoping holds firm.
