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In this section we have answered some of the more general questions about the bypass. If you have questions you would like us to answer please email them to us and we will post them on this page together with the answer.
How much will the bypass cost?
The bypass will cost £28.1 million at prices based in 2008/09
The total budget for the project is estimated at £33.1 million which includes £1.3 million of town centre improvements, allowances for land, compensation, scheme preparation and supervision.
How long is it on the proposed route?
The A350 Bypass is 4.2km, and Glenmore Link from the joining the West Wilts Trading Estate is a further 1.2km. There are alignment improvements at Bratton Road and Hawkeridge Road of 0.55km and 0.4km respectively.
Is it one of the largest road projects in Wiltshire?
It is the largest scheme promoted by Wiltshire Council in recent years, however the proposed Stonehenge Tunnel can be considered the most expensive scheme at an estimated cost of £510 million for 2.1km length of proposed improvement to the A303 in Wiltshire.
When was it first proposed?
In the County Council's 1987 Structure Plan the need to improve the A350 corridor was highlighted. As a result studies in the early 1990's identified a Bypass for Westbury as a potential improvement.
What is the timetable?
The public inquiry in June and concluded in October. Following the inquiry, the government inspector sends a report to the Secretary of State. A decision is expected in 2009, and if the scheme is approved, construction work could start on the road approximately 6 months later.
When will the outcome of the inquiry be known?
The public inquiry finished on 8th October 2008. The inspectors have written their report and issued it to the Secretary of State. The report will not be made available until a decision has been made. The time this will take is unknown, however a decision can be expected anytime from 3 to 6 months after the inspectors report has been issued.
Why this route?
 Investigation into various routes began in the late 1990s which included a public consultation and a planning conference held in 1997/8 identifying that an alignment to the east of Westbury presented the most viable option in comparison to alternative routes. The eastern route is essentially shorter and provides far more benefit in terms of local traffic relief than any options to the west and connects with the Biss Bottom Improvement to provide a high quality link to the A36. A western route would be longer, cutting across open ground to create a new intersection with the A36. It would provide less local relief and less value for money whilst providing similar environmental impacts as an eastern route.
When will work start?
Subject to the statutory processes work could start in 2009.
When will it finish?
It is anticipated that the construction of the bypass will take approximately 18 months, however we have appointed a contractor to look into ways in which this time can be reduced. The majority of town centre improvements will commence after the bypass has opened so disruption to residents can be minimised. It is anticipated that these will be completed within 12 months.
Who pays for this?
The funding will come directly from central government. However with all highway improvement schemes of this type in the UK
the local authority is expected to contribute 10% of the construction cost.
When do we start land purchase?
Land will be purchased upon confirmation of compulsory purchase orders the Secretary of State has made their decision.
How much land needs to be bought?
Approximately 21.4 hectares of land needs to be purchased.
What will happen to the land between Westbury outskirts and the bypass?
The land between Westbury and the bypass will remain as it is. Planning policy regarding land for development is determined by the Council and is set out in the local plan. The Local Development framework will supersede this and more details can be found at: http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/environmentandplanning/planning
/planningpolicy/localdevelopmentframework.htm Currently none of the land between the bypass and Westbury is identified for development.
Can we say it will not be used for housing?
Any development of land is subject to public consultation through the Statutory Planning process.
We have waited a long time for this - how sure can we be that this road will really happen?
Government has given every indication that funding will be available. This is of course subject to achieving the necessary statutory processes. There are always risks right up until the final funding confirmation upon confirmation of orders.
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