The A350 road closure near Lacock occurred following a fatal crash between a cyclist and a car early on the morning of 20 January. The incident has led to full closures in both directions of the A350 between Whitehall Garden Centre and Melksham Road, severely affecting traffic in the area.
Authorities are currently conducting an investigation into the collision. A 38-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving under the influence of drugs.
Here are the key details you need to know:
- A 64-year-old cyclist tragically died in the early morning crash
- Road closures extend from Lacock to Melksham with wider diversions
- Police have made a public appeal for dash cam footage
- The closures are expected to last for an extended period due to investigation work
- Real-time updates are being issued by Wiltshire Police and traffic monitors
Let’s break down everything that has happened, what to expect, and how you can plan your travel effectively.
What Happened on the A350 Near Lacock?
On the morning of 20 January, a tragic road collision occurred on the A350 near Lacock, involving a 64-year-old male cyclist and a car. Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 5:00 AM.
The cyclist sadly succumbed to his injuries, and despite quick medical response, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident happened close to a popular National Trust site, which added to travel disruptions for both commuters and tourists.
Following the incident, Wiltshire Police arrested a 38-year-old woman at the scene. She is currently under suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drug-impaired driving, causing serious injury. She remains in custody as further investigations are underway.
This incident has shocked local residents and authorities, who expressed their condolences to the cyclist’s family. The police have contacted the man’s next of kin and requested that anyone with witness information or dash cam footage from that morning come forward to aid the investigation.
Why is the A350 Closed Right Now?
The A350 is currently closed to facilitate a detailed police investigation into the fatal crash involving a cyclist and a car. When a collision results in a death, protocol requires that authorities conduct a scene examination, which includes forensic analysis, reconstruction efforts, and the gathering of public and dash cam testimonies.
These steps are crucial for building a comprehensive understanding of how the accident occurred. As stated by Wiltshire Police, the road was closed in both directions to allow their Serious Collision Investigation Team to work safely and thoroughly.
Emergency services, including the South West Ambulance Service, were on-site to assist. The arrest of a suspect further reinforces the need for a prolonged closure. Since the incident may result in criminal charges, investigators must preserve the integrity of the scene.
Until all necessary information is collected and processed, the A350 closure will remain in place to ensure legal and public safety standards are met.
Where Exactly is the A350 Closed?
The current closure on the A350 spans a critical stretch near Lacock, causing significant disruption for drivers travelling between Chippenham and Melksham.
According to reports from Wiltshire Police and local news outlets, the closure begins at the Whitehall Garden Centre junction and extends to the Melksham Road junction.
Wider closures were later implemented, spanning from the Lackham Roundabout in Chippenham to the Beanacre Roundabout near Melksham.
This larger cordoned area ensures that investigation teams have sufficient space to work and keeps road users away from a potentially hazardous scene.
Here is a summarised view of the current closures:
| Closed Section | Estimated Closure Time | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Whitehall Garden Centre to Melksham Road | Ongoing | Fatal collision investigation |
| Lackham Roundabout to Beanacre Roundabout | Several hours | Expanded safety and analysis zone |
Motorists are urged to check live traffic updates before heading towards this area. Real-time updates are available via services like Inrix, AA Roadwatch, and local council platforms.
How Long Will the A350 Road Closure Last?
At present, the exact duration of the A350 closure is unknown, but Wiltshire Police have indicated that the road is likely to remain shut for several hours to allow comprehensive investigation work.
Based on similar past incidents, closures due to fatal accidents can last anywhere from 6 to 12 hours, or even longer if further forensic examination is required.
Police are focusing on gathering evidence, reconstructing the sequence of events, and taking witness statements. All of this must be done meticulously, particularly as a criminal investigation is active due to the nature of the suspect’s arrest.
Additionally, depending on the condition of the road following the investigation, highway clearance or repairs might be necessary before traffic can safely resume. The public is advised to monitor updates and avoid speculating about reopening timelines.
What Official Updates Have Been Provided by Authorities?
Wiltshire Police have been at the forefront of issuing information about the A350 road closure and related developments. In their initial statement, they confirmed the death of a 64-year-old male cyclist and the arrest of a 38-year-old woman suspected of causing death by dangerous driving and drug-impaired driving.
The police have publicly requested that any witnesses or drivers with dash cam footage from the area between 4:30 AM and 5:30 AM on 20 January contact the Serious Collision Investigation Team. They’ve shared a contact number (01225 694597) and email (SCIT@wiltshire.police.uk) for this purpose.
Additionally, Inrix, the traffic monitoring service, confirmed that the road was closed in both directions due to a two-vehicle collision, with slow traffic reported. The National Trust also issued travel alerts advising visitors to Lacock to expect delays due to the incident.
What Diversions or Alternative Routes Can You Take?
If you’re planning to travel through Wiltshire and are affected by the A350 road closure, there are several diversion routes you can consider to minimise your delay and avoid the closed stretch.
Travellers moving northbound or southbound on the A350 between Chippenham and Melksham are advised to use alternate B-roads or the A4. Avoiding the Whitehall Garden Centre junction area entirely will help reduce congestion.
You may experience increased delays near roundabouts and traffic lights, especially during peak hours, due to diverted traffic. It is best to plan ahead and allow additional travel time.
Local Detour Routes from Chippenham to Melksham
- From Chippenham, take the A4 westbound to Corsham, then continue on the B3353 through Lacock village to rejoin the A350 beyond the closure.
- Alternatively, use Forest Lane or Rowden Hill for smaller vehicles, but be cautious of narrow lanes and local access restrictions.
- Avoid the direct route via Melksham Road, which remains blocked.
Long-Distance Alternatives for Through-Traffic
- Long-haul drivers heading from the M4 towards Westbury or Poole should consider rerouting via the A36 or A361, depending on their final destination.
- Those travelling from Bath or Bristol towards the south coast can use the A46 to A303 as a smoother alternative.
- Use satnav with live traffic alerts or Waze to find less congested options in real-time.
For the safest and most accurate diversions, consult Wiltshire Council’s official road closure alerts or AA Roadwatch.
How is Local Traffic and Travel Being Affected?
The A350 closure has led to significant disruption in local travel, particularly in Chippenham, Lacock, and Melksham. With one of Wiltshire’s busiest A-roads shut, both commuters and commercial drivers are experiencing long delays and extended journey times.
The closure is also affecting:
- School runs, as local parents are facing detours
- National Trust visitors, particularly those travelling to Lacock Abbey
- Local delivery services, as logistics companies, are re-routing parcels around the affected area
- Public transport routes, with some buses diverted or delayed
With increased pressure on nearby B-roads, congestion is being reported at peak junctions. Travellers are urged to avoid unnecessary trips in the area until the road reopens and diversions are fully cleared.
Will the A350 Road Closure Affect Future Travel Plans?
Yes, there is potential for the A350 road closure to influence upcoming travel in the area, especially if further police investigations, road repair works, or legal proceedings require continued access to the site.
Drivers are strongly advised to stay informed through local channels before setting off. For those who frequently use this route, especially commercial drivers or school commuters, planning alternative paths in advance is essential.
While this particular incident was sudden and tragic, similar emergencies could occur again, so understanding local diversion networks will help in the future.
If you’re planning visits to Lacock, or travelling between Chippenham and Melksham, always check traffic monitors and local alerts before your journey.
How Can You Stay Updated About A350 Road Closures in Real-time?
Staying informed about live traffic and road closures, such as the one on the A350, is essential for managing your journey effectively. Thankfully, multiple resources provide real-time updates and official announcements.
Here’s how to stay updated:
- Follow Wiltshire Police on Twitter or check their news updates page
- Check Wiltshire Council’s roadworks and emergency alerts portal
- Download Google Maps or Waze and enable live traffic alerts
- Tune into BBC Wiltshire radio for regional traffic reports
- Sign up for road closure notifications via email or SMS from the local authority
By regularly checking these sources, you’ll be better equipped to avoid last-minute disruption and plan a smoother journey.
Conclusion
The A350 road closure near Lacock is a result of a tragic fatal collision involving a cyclist and a car, leading to an ongoing police investigation. With one woman under arrest and both directions of the A350 closed, the local community, authorities, and commuters are working together to navigate this challenging event.
While the timeline for reopening remains uncertain, the availability of clear diversion routes and consistent updates from Wiltshire Police offers some relief.
As investigations continue, your cooperation, awareness, and responsible travel decisions play a vital role in ensuring safety and efficiency for all. Continue monitoring updates and stay alert for changes to traffic conditions as they unfold.
FAQs
How do police determine how long to keep roads closed after a crash?
They assess the severity of the incident and collect evidence for legal proceedings which can take several hours.
Are cyclists safe to ride near the A350?
Cyclists should avoid high-traffic areas like the A350 and use cycle-friendly routes for safety.
What happens if I ignore a road closure on the A350?
You could be fined or face legal action as it may interfere with an ongoing police investigation.
Will public transport be diverted during the A350 closure?
Yes, buses and other local transport services may be rerouted or delayed due to the closure.
Can I access Lacock village despite the closure?
Alternative access routes may be available depending on your entry point, but delays are likely.
How can businesses near the A350 manage delivery disruptions?
They should coordinate with delivery partners and use updated routes to manage delays.
Are these types of road closures common in Wiltshire?
Such closures are rare but necessary during serious accidents or police investigations.
