Severe Traffic Delays Bring Wiltshire Town To A Standstill

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Post on May 13, 2025

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Severe Traffic Delays Bring Wiltshire Town to a Standstill: Chaos on A361

Melksham, Wiltshire – A major incident on the A361 near Melksham has brought the Wiltshire town to a standstill this afternoon, causing severe traffic delays and widespread disruption. Motorists are reporting hours-long journeys and significant congestion impacting surrounding areas. Emergency services are currently on the scene, and the cause of the incident is still under investigation.

The incident, which occurred shortly after 2 PM, has effectively shut down a key route through Melksham, causing a ripple effect of traffic jams across the town and surrounding villages. Social media is ablaze with frustrated drivers sharing images of gridlocked roads and lengthy queues stretching for miles. Local businesses report a significant downturn in trade due to the inability of customers to reach their premises.

<h3>What Caused the Gridlock?</h3>

While official statements are still pending, early reports suggest a multi-vehicle collision may be the primary cause of the disruption. The severity of the incident and the number of vehicles involved remains unclear, but witnesses describe a chaotic scene with emergency vehicles responding en masse. The A361, a vital artery for commuters and businesses in the area, has been completely closed in both directions, forcing drivers to seek alternative routes.

<h3>The Impact on Melksham</h3>

The traffic chaos is having a profound impact on Melksham. Schools are reporting late arrivals and difficulties with parents collecting children. Local hospitals are bracing for potential delays in ambulance services. Businesses relying on deliveries are experiencing significant setbacks, and many employees are stuck in traffic, unable to reach their workplaces.

• Businesses affected: Local shops and restaurants are reporting significant losses due to the reduced footfall.
• Schools disrupted: School pick-up and drop-off times have been severely impacted.
• Emergency services stretched: Ambulance response times may be affected due to the congestion.

<h3>Alternative Routes and Travel Advice</h3>

Wiltshire Police are urging drivers to avoid the A361 and seek alternative routes. Real-time traffic updates are available through various sources including:

• Google Maps: Provides live traffic updates and alternative route suggestions.
• AA Route Planner: Offers detailed route planning and traffic information.
• Wiltshire Police social media: Follow official channels for the latest updates and advice.

Drivers are advised to check traffic conditions before setting off and to allow extra travel time. Patience and understanding are crucial as emergency services work to clear the incident and restore normal traffic flow.

<h3>Ongoing Updates</h3>

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates as they become available. The cause of the incident and the extent of any injuries are yet to be confirmed. This is a developing story and we will provide further details as they emerge from official sources. Stay tuned to this page for the latest information on the A361 traffic delays in Melksham. #MelkshamTraffic #A361 #WiltshireTraffic #TrafficDelays

Keywords: Melksham traffic, A361 traffic, Wiltshire traffic, traffic delays, road closure, accident, multi-vehicle collision, emergency services, travel advice, alternative routes, Google Maps, AA Route Planner, Wiltshire Police.