MILLIONS of pounds are being spent on improving one of Swindon’s busiest roads - but part of it will be closed for weeks while these changes are being made.

The borough council has invested £4 million into increasing the capacity of Mead Way and helping traffic flow more smoothly along one of the town’s main arteries.

The stretch of the 40mph B-road between the Meads and Westmead roundabouts will be closed around the clock for 10 weeks from Monday while Britannia Construction Ltd carries out the first phase of road works.

The entire ambitious project is expected to be complete this autumn.

Some of the changes that will be made to the road's layout include an additional lane going northbound from Meads roundabout on Great Western Way to Withymead roundabout by Simply Gym and Kidz About.

This section of the road will be resurfaced.

The roundabout at the Westmead Drive and Stonehill Green junction will be converted into a signalised cross-road junction with a toucan crossing which will allow pedestrians to cross Westmead Drive.

Cabinet member for transport Coun Maureen Penny, said: “The road, which connects residential areas of north and west Swindon with major employment areas and the town centre, will be upgraded to increase capacity.

"This improvement scheme will go a long way to relieving congestion, particularly during peak times, along Mead Way.

"The extra capacity created will also help reduce traffic on roads in the surrounding areas, providing benefits to the town’s wider road network.

“Motorists can stay up-to-date with progress of the works by signing up to the dedicated Mead Way newsletter at www.swindon.gov.uk/newsletter

"This will provide key updates throughout the scheme each month.”

During the first phase of roadworks, a diversion route will be put in place for motorists and buses which will go from Mead Way roundabout via Great Western Way, Mannington Lane, Westlea Drive, Rivenhall Road and Corton Crescent to the Link Centre before following the normal route from the Link Centre.

Swindon Bus Company’s number 19 bus will not be able to serve the Westlea Fire Station stops as a result of this diversion.

Access will be maintained for the businesses set up along this part of Mead Way while it is closed off to all other traffic.