Safety and visibility upgrades for East Gomeldon railway bridge

Friday, 22 August 2025 06:05

Wiltshire Council will soon carry out improvements to the signage and lighting on the approach to and underneath the railway bridge at East Gomeldon.

These upgrades are designed to make the area safer and more accessible, particularly during low-light conditions and for larger vehicles navigating the restricted height clearance.

The work will begin on Tuesday, 26th August and is expected to take approximately one week to complete. Work will take place daily between 9 am and 3 pm, during which time the road under the railway bridge will be closed. Outside of these hours, the road will remain open as usual.

The upgrades include refreshed Give Way signs and road markings, improved street lighting under the bridge, and updated height warning signage on the railway bridge.

The scheme has been developed in response to feedback from the Southern Wiltshire Local Highway Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG), with support from Idmiston Parish Council and the Southern Wiltshire Area Board. Funding for the improvements is being provided through LHFIG project allocations. The LHFIGs are sub-groups of Wiltshire’s 18 area boards that deal specifically with small local highway issues.

Cllr Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “These improvements are a great example of how local feedback and collaboration through LHFIGs can lead to practical upgrades that directly improve road safety and visibility.

“During low-light conditions, visibility can be reduced for road users, especially taller vehicles approaching the bridge. The planned improvements will help address these issues by enhancing safety and making the area easier to navigate.

“We appreciate residents’ patience while these improvement works are carried out. We understand that temporary road closures may cause some inconvenience, but these upgrades are essential to improving safety and visibility for everyone who uses this route. Once complete, the bridge area will be safer, more accessible, and better equipped.”