National Highways is investing £6m to modernise the A46, improving safety, resilience, and journey reliability nationwide.
National Highways is delivering a £6m package of A46 road improvements designed to support safer, smoother and more reliable journeys on this strategic route. The works will take place north of Bath, between the London Road roundabout junction and the Cold Ashton roundabout, over the coming months.
The A46 forms part of the south western strategic road network and is a critical transport corridor linking the south coast with Bristol, Bath, the M4 and London. It also carries significant volumes of local traffic, with more than 20,000 vehicles using the route every day.
Safer journeys through targeted infrastructure upgrades
The investment includes resurfacing works to extend asset life, upgraded drainage to reduce flood risk, and improved signage to enhance driver awareness. At Hartley Bends, new and upgraded chevron signs will be installed to address known safety concerns and improve visibility on challenging sections of the carriageway.
Sean Walsh, National Highways Route Manager, said: “More than 20,000 drivers use this route every day for work, home deliveries and the movement of goods and services, so it’s essential we continue to provide the essential maintenance and upgrades needed to make sure journeys remain safe and reliable.”
Phased delivery using data and monitoring technology
Phase one of the A46 works begins on 18 January, focusing on ground investigation surveys and the installation of monitoring equipment at Charmy Down. These activities support evidence-based planning and reflect digital construction practices increasingly used across the highways sector to inform future design and delivery decisions.
Later in the year, phases two and three will deliver drainage improvements at Four Winds Farm and resurfacing works at Hartley Bends, reducing the likelihood of unplanned maintenance and future disruption.
Traffic management and travel planning
To ensure workforce and road user safety, overnight road closures and lane restrictions will be in place between 18 January and 20 March. National Highways advises drivers to plan ahead, allow extra journey time, and check Traffic England and daily closures updates for live information.
Overall, the A46 investment demonstrates how targeted digital construction, data-led planning, and proactive maintenance deliver safer roads, reduced disruption, and long-term value for road users across England.
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