The first stage of £23m improvement works along the A36 in Salisbury is set to begin ‘early next year'.

Over the next six years, this investment from National Highways will allow it to kick the scheme off with improvements to traffic flows around the St Paul's, St Mark's and Castle roundabouts.

In place for 32 years, the current signals have reached the end of their operational life. They will now be replaced with modern, energy-efficient systems that the strategic road operator states will adapt ‘in real time' to waiting vehicles, rather than using a fixed timer.

Kicking off on 19 January, this project will see the new adaptive traffic signals installed at the Castle and St Mark's roundabouts, with similar works scheduled for St Paul's roundabout in Summer 2026.

Additional improvements expected over the next six years include:

  • Resurfacing at the Castle and St Paul's roundabouts and Wilton Road
  • Improved road markings and pavement renewal
  • Upgrade of the Southampton Road pedestrian crossing
  • Strengthening work on the Maltings access bridge
  • Repairs to the Avon River bridge
  • Replacement of the Victoria Road footbridge to improve accessibility
  • Removal of the Wyndham Road footbridge, while all alternative options are explored.

National Highways route manager, Chris Hilldrup, said: ‘The A36 is the main arterial route through Salisbury – carrying an average of 33,500 vehicles a day between the College and St Mark's roundabouts – and helps connect the south coast with Bristol, Bath and London.

‘Given insurmountable limitations on constructing a bypass for the city, it's vital that we continue to maintain and improve the route, both for the economy, the travelling public and local communities.

‘As part of this investment we're carrying out a number of schemes which will reduce congestion, improve safety, create more reliable journey times and ultimately support Salisbury's long-term economic growth.'

National Highways expects the first phase of the work to take 11 weeks to complete. The second upgrade at the St Paul's roundabout is scheduled to take place between 1 June and 27 July, followed by essential resurfacing work at the Castle and St Paul's roundabouts and Wilton Road between 14 and 31 July.

For safety reasons, single lane and full lane closures will be operated during the day and overnight, with clearly signed diversions in place.