Upgrades to Traffic Lights in Salisbury Begin This Month
Work to upgrade traffic lights at two key junctions in Salisbury will commence this month as part of an ongoing programme aimed at modernising the city’s infrastructure. The improvements are set to begin on Monday, July 14, focusing on St John Street and St Ann Street. These essential refurbishments are necessary due to the existing systems reaching the end of their design life, and the upgrades aim to enhance reliability, safety, and energy efficiency.
The project is expected to take approximately five weeks to complete. During this time, there will be lane closures at both junctions, along with temporary traffic lights to ensure the work can be carried out safely. Residents and road users are being asked to remain patient and cooperative during the construction period.
Cllr Martin Smith on the Importance of the Work
Cllr Martin Smith, Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for highways, commented on the significance of the project. He stated, “We would like to thank residents and road users for their patience and cooperation while these essential works are carried out. The traffic signals equipment at these junctions was originally installed in 2001, which shows how long these systems have been in service. These refurbishment works are essential, not only to replace ageing infrastructure, but to bring the junctions up to modern standards. We apologise for any inconvenience caused during the works, but they are vital to ensure that everyone can travel safely and efficiently around Salisbury.”
St John Street Works
On St John Street, the new traffic signal infrastructure will be installed adjacent to the pedestrian crossing located outside the White Hart Hotel. A lane restriction will be in place, along with a right-turn ban into Ivy Street. A local diversion will be in effect via Catherine Street, Milford Street, and Brown Street.
For vehicles needing access to Ivy Street during this period, an alternative route via New Street, Crane Street, and Crane Bridge Road will be available. Drivers will need to make a U-turn at the Mill Road mini roundabout before returning along the same route to enter Ivy Street directly from New Street. Additionally, one of the parking bays in Ivy Street will be suspended during the proposed works, meaning it cannot be used by residents.
St Ann Street Works
On St Ann Street, the new traffic signal infrastructure will be installed near the existing telecoms cabinets on the north side of the road. A lane restriction and temporary pedestrian footway will be in place, but left and right turns will still be permitted under temporary traffic management.
There will also be a suspension of the single yellow line restriction in St Ann Street for the duration of the proposed works, meaning it cannot be used by residents for parking. Additional temporary traffic management will be in place near the coach stops on St John Street to accommodate the removal of a lighting column and the traffic signal controller.
Summary of Changes
- St John Street: Lane restrictions, right-turn ban into Ivy Street, diversion routes, and a suspended parking bay.
- St Ann Street: Lane restrictions, temporary pedestrian footway, and a suspended yellow line restriction.
- Both locations will have temporary traffic lights and management to ensure the safety of workers and road users.
These upgrades are a crucial step in maintaining the efficiency and safety of Salisbury’s transportation network. The council has assured residents that the work is necessary to meet modern standards and improve the overall experience for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
