January start for A36 improvements

National Highways has confirmed a £23 million capital investment programme focused on the A36 arterial route in Salisbury, representing a significant infrastructure upgrade spanning the next six years.

This project provides a clear pipeline of requirements for the regional supply chain, beginning with a primary phase scheduled for commencement on 19 January. Initial works will concentrate on the deployment of advanced traffic management technologies at the Castle, St Mark’s, and St Paul’s roundabouts. The project necessitates the replacement of legacy signals with modern, adaptive systems capable of real-time data processing, signifying a specific demand for specialists in Intelligent Transport Systems and electrical engineering.

The broader scope of the investment encompasses a diverse range of civil engineering and structural maintenance tasks, offering varied opportunities for subcontractors. Over the six-year delivery period, the programme will include extensive resurfacing operations at the Castle and St Paul’s roundabouts as well as Wilton Road. Furthermore, structural specialists will be required for the strengthening of the Maltings access bridge and essential repairs to the Avon River bridge. The replacement of the Victoria Road footbridge and the removal of the Wyndham Road footbridge are also included in the capital works plan, alongside general pavement renewal and the upgrading of the Southampton Road pedestrian crossing. These multifaceted requirements ensure a steady demand for materials, plant hire, and specialized labour within the Wiltshire region.

Strategic coordination is a central component of this delivery, with National Highways aligning schedules with Southern Gas Networks’ mains renewals and ensuring that major disruptions are avoided during Salisbury’s 800th Royal Charter celebrations in 2027. This long-term planning framework allows contractors to better manage resource allocation and personnel across the various phases of construction. The first phase of signal installation is expected to take 11 weeks, with subsequent upgrades and resurfacing planned for June and July.

The decision to invest heavily in the existing A36 infrastructure stems from the strategic importance of the route, which handles approximately 33,500 vehicles daily and serves as a vital link between Bristol, Bath, London, and the south coast. As the development of a city bypass remains unfeasible, the focus has shifted entirely to enhancing the resilience and efficiency of the current corridor. For firms seeking to enter or expand their presence in the UK road infrastructure market, the Salisbury A36 programme represents a sustained opportunity to contribute to essential maintenance and technology-led highway improvements that underpin regional economic growth.

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