Update: The underpass has been filled in. Queens Drive will become a 30mph zone.

The subways going under both Queens Drive and Marlborough road by Coate Water are set to be filled in very soon. Many locals use this, including those with disabilities to reach the famous country park in South Swindon. This route directly connects to the old railway line turned cycle path which goes to Marlborough via Chiseldon. It will affect many residents of both these places who often use this route as a means of travel.

A public consultation for the scheme which took place in early 2021 received 165 concerns which many locals say have simply been dismissed. Not only that but out of 125 responses received via public notices of the scheme, which included the Kirby Close subway, only 5 of them supported it. So it begs the question why are these underpasses even being considered for decommissioning?

Many have pointed out hypocrisy that we are encouraged to go for walks and cycle to help the environment, whilst simultaneously being told that one of the major green spaces in the town will have it’s local access removed. Many have labelled this social discrimination.

It is also seen as a double standard that underpasses on Station road and Bristol Street are being refurbished/updated and potentially costing up to £3m. Whilst these ones on Queens Drive and Marlborough road are being decommissioned, seemingly due to reasons that underpasses don’t fit todays modern safety standards and cost too much money. If over £30m can be spent on Fleming Ways new bus boulevard, it begs the question why maintenance costs would have that much of an effect? Why can’t these underpasses simply be refurbished? The inconsistency is what baffles many Swindon residents, saying these routes are used by everyone, from wheelchair users to the elderly to get to the country park. 

Already the underpass going up to lawns on Queens Drive has been filled in. Now it seems the aim is to get rid of all pedestrian access on the dual carriageway (A4259). Why turn this major artery route into a wall? And simultaneously create an East to West separation that benefits nobody. I just can’t fathom how the decommissioning of underpasses on a major dual carriageway through such a big town like Swindon is, happens to be top of the agenda?

These subways are here for a reason. Great Western Way has 5 underpasses. Dorcan Way has 3 underpasses and a footbridge. Thamesdown Drive has 2 footbridges and 2 underpasses. So I just don’t understand how Queens Drive of all roads in Swindon (which has multiple dual carriageways anyway), why this of all roads is seemingly being targeted for its pedestrians friendly routes? 

Swindon is a large community of people of all different backgrounds, and has become a major hub for people to reside in. Why reduce access for these residents to visit some of the towns major attractions? I really believe the stereotypical views that underpasses get must be revisited. If it’s ok to refurbish some, why not be consistent? This is a 240,000 strong community and nobody wants to feel left out, or that they are living in an area of lesser importance.

Furthermore, the Queens Drive underpass has a First World War memorial put in place by a local school. I often see the flowers painted on each side as a reminder of the brave the soldiers who were fighting for a better world. It would be most considerate if the council would at least keep this final underpass on the dual carriageway. Unlike the Kirby close subway, this one on Queens Drive is wider for both cyclists and pedestrians. The idea of filling this in and installing a pelican crossing next to a major roundabout linking directly to the A419 and M4 is quite unfathomable to me. I strongly urge the council to reconsider this particular one on Queens Drive if anything.

Sometimes communities need to rally together to fight for a just cause. We are the ones being served not the other way round. If anything could possibly be done, the locals of this town would be very grateful, especially the elderly and disabled whom benefit most from these underpasses remaining. If there is a possibility to keep both subways, the residents of this town be very grateful to still have walking access to coate water.