The new left-turn lane at the Cherrytree Lane crossroads in Cirencester has finally been completed.

The slip road at the junction of Cherrytree Lane, Burford Road and Stow Road has been built by Bathurst Development Limited, who are responsible for The Steadings development.

The developer is required to make a number of financial contributions to mitigate the effects of the 2,350 new homes on the existing community.

In conjunction with Gloucestershire County Council, this junction was chosen for one of their off-site contributions as congestion quickly builds up at the four way lights.

Work started in August and, although scheduled to be finished last year, continued until the end of February.

For most of this time the road has been closed eastbound, causing disruption to nearby businesses.

Michael Ryland-Epton, director of Talent Hire Group who moved to offices off Burford Road just before the closure, said it was so disruptive that several clients had been put off from visiting.

Even when the road closure was removed, the new turning lane had remained shut until recently.

 

How the turning lane looked in March

How the turning lane looked in March

 

Delays have been blamed on supply issues, poor weather conditions and a reliance on work carried out by utility companies.

The junction is now fully operational, and it is hoped it will easy congestion for traffic coming off the A419 heading into or leaving Cirencester.

Former Mayor of Cirencester and district councillor, Claire Bloomer, said: “This is a significant investment by Bathurst Development as part of The Steadings and it is good to see these major improvements coming to fruition with such obvious benefits to Cirencester business and residential communities.

"We look forward to continuing to work with the Bathurst Development Team as they deliver the first phase of housing for The Steadings which is due to start later in May."

Peter Clegg, CEO of Bathurst Development Limited, said: “The highway works we have been undertaking are just one part of our commitment to ensuring The Steadings benefits the whole Cirencester community.

"In conjunction with Thames Water a new main sewer has been installed and connected to the South Cerney Treatment works.

"This will not only benefit residents of The Steadings, but up to 800 existing properties within Chesterton and in turn relieve pressure on the historic system serving the remainder of the town. We are hopeful this will reduce flooding during the winter.”