National Highways to Invest £23m in A36 Improvements in Salisbury

National Highways is investing £23m to upgrade the A36 through Salisbury over the next six years, including resurfacing and upgrading traffic lights.

Around 33,500 vehicles a day travel between the College and St Mark’s roundabouts on Salisbury's ring road.

The work will see upgraded traffic signals at St Paul’s, Castle and St Mark’s roundabouts with modern digital systems. These new lights will react in real-time to the number of vehicles waiting. This is designed to improve traffic flow, enhance traffic sign reliability, and reduce queuing, particularly during busy times of day.

The work also includes:

• improved road markings
• resurfacing at St Paul’s and Castle roundabouts and part of Wilton Road 

National Highways state that the A36 is vital to Salisbury’s economy. The improvements they say will help keep the city moving and support growth for years to come.

The work will:

• Reduce congestion and improve traffic flow
• Enhance safety for all road users
• Reduce the risk of unplanned closures
• Create better access for wheelchair users, walkers, and cyclists

The following road closures are planned:

Closures - Castle roundabout

19 - 29 January 2026

Full closures and lane closures overnight (8pm – 6am).

2 – 23 February 2026

Lane closures during the day.

14 - 27 July 2026

Full closures and lane closures overnight (8pm – 6am).

Closures - St Marks Roundabout

2 – 19 February 2026

Full closures and lane closures overnight (8pm – 6am).

2 – 23 March 2026

Lane closures during the day.

Closures -  St Pauls Roundabout

1 – 22 June 2026

Full closures and lane closures overnight (8pm – 6am).

29 June – 20 July 2026

Lane closures during the day.

21 - 31 July 2026

Full closures and lane closures overnight (8pm – 6am).

National Highways also reminds us that closures can change at short notice. You can check the latest information on the National Highways daily closures page or find live travel information on the Traffic England site.

Diversions

Signed diversion routes will be put in place. We are advised to expect delays and plan your journey in advance, and that access for emergency services will be maintained throughout. 

Footbridges

The low height of the two existing A36 footbridges makes them vulnerable to strikes by tall vehicles. Their condition is also deteriorating, says National Highways.

National Highways will demolish them before they become a hazard, with work expected to take place in 2028-29 to avoid the Salisbury 800 Royal Charter celebrations in 2027.

Full weekend closures of the A36 for bridge demolition and installation. There will also be 24/7 lane closures during the 9 months it will take to complete the work. The existing bridges will be kept open for as long as possible to minimise disruption.

Victoria Road footbridge

Victoria Road footbridge will be replaced with a new, upgraded structure providing safe access for pedestrians, wheelchair users, and cyclists.

Wyndham Road footbridge

The Wyndham Road footbridge is different. A new bridge can't be built to meet modern accessibility standards in the same space. 

There is an alternative route by St Mark’s Roundabout subway, within 300 metres of the existing Wyndham Road bridge.

National Highways say they recognise the potential impact this may have on the local community, and they are reviewing the proposals to ensure the alternative route is safe for all users.

They say they are "working closely with Wiltshire Council, Salisbury City Council, and local communities as we develop our plans."