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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 County 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?
A public inquiry will start on June 17 2008. Following the inquiry, a government inspector will send a report to the secretary of state. A decision is expected in early 2009, and if the scheme is approved, construction work could start on the road in 2009. The bypass could then be open by 2010/11.
When will the inquiry take place?
A public inquiry will start on June 17 2008 and will run for 24 working days. This is an opportunity for everyone to have their say before an independent Inspector submits a recommendation to the Secretary of State(s).
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 early 2009.
When will it finish?
It is anticipated that the construction will take approximately 18 months, however we have appointed a contractor to look into ways in which this time can be reduced.
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 make some form of contribution. The level of this has yet to be determined and further discussion with the Department for Transport is being held.
When do we start land purchase?
Land will be purchased upon confirmation of compulsory purchase orders, once the Public Inquiry inspector has made his 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 District Council and is set out in their local plan. 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 District 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. But the scheme is far more advanced than it ever has been and a contractor has been appointed to assist in the final development and design of the project.
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