A303 closure - it's over.

8.46.00am GMT Fri 12th Mar 2010

An extensive maintenance scheme carried out by the Highways Agency from east of Mere to the junction with the B3089 is now complete. The work involved repair and strengthening of the road, repair of drainage and installation of new safety barriers. The road was widened by a metre where possible, to assist with drainage and provide additional space for breakdowns and maintenance.

The Highways Agency now say that because of the good weather this month they should be far enough ahead with the work to re-open the road at close of play today.

Construction activities were broken down into phases to reflect the nature of the work and to limit disruptions.

The first phase of activity was completed during June and July 2009 and involved site investigation work and drainage repairs.

Phase 2 of the scheme lasted for 5 weeks from mid-November 2009 and entailed preparation work for the widening, continued drainage works, signage and safety fencing. The A303 was closed overnight for this work.

Phase 3 started on the 18 January and comprised drainage channel construction and signage, then major surfacing and drainage channel works.

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The plans to close the A303 at Mere in spring 2009 were scrapped following an outcry from local councillors and residents over the impact the closure would have had on local communities. 30,000 vehicles a day use the route, and these would all have been looking for somewhere else to go.

Diversion routes. See the Highways Agency site for a bigger map.

The 303 was resurfaced only 10 years ago in this location. However, recent investigations and visual observations of the carriageway indicated severe cracking and wheel track rutting. A survey of the drainage system revealed that several drains required jetting, root removal and repair.

Liberal Democrat MP for Somerton and Frome David Heath had raised the matter in Parliament. During Question Time in the Commons he said: "I can't think of any other region in the country, other than the West Country, where the main arterial route could be closed for a quarter of the year for the convenience of contractors - rather than the interests, both economic, environmental and social - of the people I represent."

Wiltshire county councillor Ian West, who lives at Winterbourne Stoke on the A303, said: "30,000 vehicles pass through my village on the A303 every day. Imagine all those lorries and cars being diverted through the countryside. It's going to be horrific for people living there."

Despite local support for dualling this stretch of road that's not seen by the HA as a possibility any time before 2019.

Diversions will add 12.5 miles to the eastbound journey on the A303 and 5.5 miles to the westbound journey. The following diversions will be in place: Westbound traffic will follow the A350 to Shaftesbury and then along the B3081 to rejoin the A303 near Wincanton. Eastbound traffic will be diverted from the A303 at Podimore roundabout and follow the A37, A361 and A36 via Shepton Mallet and Frome before rejoining the A303 at Deptford.

For the night time closures, light vehicles will be instructed to use the A350 and B3082 through Gillingham both ways. Heavy good vehicles will use A37/A361/A36 both ways; and high loads will use A359/A371/A361/A36

Drivers who know the area will naturally be looking for shorter routes and some increase in traffic on village roads is still likely during the closure periods.

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Are you confused in The Deverills? The HA say the rules are being followed on signage but drivers are reporting some difficulty following diversion routes. Here are your comments:

"Travelling from west to east on the A303 we found the diversion signs confusing and found ourselves retracing our route back from Wincanton through N and S Cadbury following the black diamond sign. Returning again back to Wincanton we followed the signs and again back on the A303 heading west,until reaching an unsigned road to Gillingham. Another driver went north of Wincanton towards Chippenham and ended completely confused in The Deverills. Perhaps bigger and better signs to the approach to Wincanton may help to which direction to go."

"Have you also noticed the M4 was closed last weekend near Chippenham for "essential" bridge removal. Question, was this so essential that it had to be done at exactly the same time as the A303 is closed? Two routes from the SW to London and SE and highways close them both at the same time. Fantastic eh?"

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Now WC is getting worried about damage to roads in the area caused by drivers not following the official routes. They say HGV drivers could face prosecution if they do not follow the diversion route set up following the temporary closure of the A303.

Some HGV drivers have been ignoring clear weight restriction signs and using minor roads to avoid the diversion route.

WC has had to close a stretch of a minor road running from Monkton Deverill to Pertwood already to prevent further serious damage to its verges. But it is reassuring people any damage to roads caused by the extra traffic around the Deverills and Mere will be repaired.

Dick Tonge, Cabinet member with responsibility for highways, said: "We will be seeking recompense from the Highways Agency for the repairs and will continue to press Government to take action on Satellite Navigation Systems that divert heavy vehicles along inappropriate roads."

Inspector Nick Elton, operations manager for the Wiltshire Police road policing unit, said: "Motorists on any diversionary route should observe the correct route and follow the proper diversion signs. This is because it has been carefully planned to minimise journey delays, ensure weight, width or height restrictions are not exceeded and to minimise disruption to residents in the area.

He added: "Since the temporary closure of the A303 officers have been carrying out enforcement and patrols in both marked and unmarked vehicles and a number of drivers have been prosecuted for exceeding weight restrictions and speed limits. The officers will continue to have a presence on the diversion route at varying times of the day and night to ensure the weight and speed limits are enforced and adhered to. Those drivers who choose to exceed them will be prosecuted."