Wichel Way opens, linking Wichelstowe to M4 Junction 16

Drivers were able to use Wichel Way for the first time on the morning of Monday 26 October 2026, Swindon Borough Council announced that day. The road, formally the Wichelstowe Southern Access, runs from Wichelstowe through an underpass beneath the M4 to Junction 16.

Where does it go?

It passes under the motorway east of Junction 16 and connects with Hay Lane and Wharf Road, with Redposts Drive to the north and Croft Road to the east. The last stretch into Wichelstowe, via Scott Way, was built in phases by the developer Wichelstowe LLP alongside new housing.

The road has paths for cyclists and pedestrians. It also has traffic calming, which the council said will stay until housebuilding moves further south and new junctions are made.

How was it built?

The council built the M4 underpass four years before the road opened. Engineers built the outer structure and entrances first, then dug out the underpass and laid the road beneath the motorway. Motorway traffic kept running throughout, with no significant lane closures.

National Highways owns the underpass. Subject to its approval, artwork will be commissioned to make it a gateway to Wichelstowe.

What did it cost?

• £22.9m from the Department for Transport, through the former Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership
• £5.8m from Swindon Borough Council

Councillor Nick Gardiner, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: "The opening of Wichel Way marks the completion of a major piece of infrastructure".

More from Swindo: hedgehog warning signs on Wichel Way and Wichelstowe guide.

Source: Swindon Borough Council.