A46 Speed Limit Changes near Bath Cause Expected Travel Delays

The A46 near Bath is slated for safety upgrades due to a high number of accidents between 2017 and 2021. There were 41 incidents, including two fatalities, prompting road closures on certain sections.

National Highways is collaborating with local groups to address safety concerns using funding from a safety and congestion fund. Speed limits will be adjusted on specific road segments.

The speed limit will be reduced to 50 mph leading to Pennsylvania Village, then further reduced to 30 mph through the village itself. South of the village, the limit increases to 40 mph up to Upper Swainswick, eventually returning to 50 mph after Upper Swainswick.

The project is scheduled to commence on February 24th, with workers utilizing lights and overnight closures. Closures will occur on weeknights from 8 PM to 6 AM, and the project is expected to be completed by mid-March.

The A46 north of Cold Ashton will be closed for two nights, specifically March 6-7 and March 7-8. Additionally, the A46 south of Cold Ashton will be shut down for five nights: March 12-13, 13-14, 14-15, and 17-18.

During north closures, a detour will be in place via the B4465, A4174, and A420 to Cold Ashton. For south closures, the detour route will be via the A420, A350, and A4, facilitating travel in both directions.

Minor detours will affect local roads to facilitate the easy replacement of road signs. Roads such as Field Lane, Dunsdown Lane, Middledown Road, and Sands Hill will be affected.

National Highways schedules work at night to minimize traffic disruptions, advising travelers to plan their trips accordingly. Police are supporting these safety upgrades.

Police have identified speed as a significant contributing factor in many crashes, highlighting it as one of the “Fatal Five” factors. In 2023-2024, there were 872 serious injury collisions, with speed playing a role in 436 of them. Adherence to safe speed limits is essential for the safety of all road users.