The council submitted a bid for £1.27 million for government funding to pay for a detailed design, environmental surveys and the preparation of a planning and business case. However, this bid has been unsuccessful.
The council will now have to identify alternative options to look at improving the transport network in West Swindon to address current and future problems. The Thamesdown Drive to Barnfield relief road was put forward as a solution to alleviate significant congestion during morning and evening peak periods along Mead Way/Akers Way and discourage drivers from rat-running through residential areas. Future development at Tadpole Farm and Ridgeway Farm is likely to increase traffic levels in the areas over the coming years.
This extension road was first proposed in the 1980’s as part of the development of the Northern Expansion Area. However, as traffic has increased year-on-year, it has yet to be delivered.