Southern Connector Road bridge repairs planned to start in December

Swindon Borough Council announced on Tuesday 22 September 2026 that it was looking for a contractor to carry out initial repairs to the bridge on the Southern Connector Road (SCR). Work was expected to begin in December 2026, provided the procurement goes to plan.

Why is the work being done?

The aim is to take New Eastern Villages construction traffic off Merlin Way and Wanborough Road, which lorries were using to reach the building sites. If the programme stays on track, the council said, construction traffic could use the SCR as its main route from spring 2027.

Councillor Nick Gardiner, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: "Residents have been clear about the impact construction traffic is having on local roads and communities".

When will the road open to drivers?

Not yet. The SCR remains closed to the general public and will stay closed after these repairs. The council's statement links the closure to significant defects found after the collapse of Buckingham Group in 2023, before the council took over the road.

Cllr Gardiner said: "The road remains closed to the public because safety must come first".

Once lorries are using the road, security staff will record vehicle types, weights and loads to help monitor the bridge.

What happens next?

The council said it is exploring funding and other options for the larger repairs needed before the road and its footpaths can open to everyone. It gave no date for that.

More from Swindo: roadworks and closures in Swindon.

Source: Swindon Borough Council.