“"The opening of Wichel Way marks the completion of a major piece of infrastructure for Wichelstowe and the culmination of many years of work. Creating an entirely new route beneath the M4 was a significant feat of engineering. The underpass was constructed while keeping motorway traffic moving and avoiding any significant lane closures, which was an impressive achievement given the scale and complexity of the project. We can now see the full benefit of that work, with a new route that will improve access to Wichelstowe, while also providing new walking and cycling links across the M4. With thousands more homes planned in the area, it’s important we have the right transport connections in place to support the community as it continues to grow."
Wichelstowe Gains New M4 Link Road
Swindon Borough Council opens Wichel Way, completing a major infrastructure project to support housing development and improve connectivity.
By Verity Coombes
••2 min read
AI
Generic image of a modern road underpass beneath a motorway, with traffic visible on the road above.
A new road, Wichel Way, officially opened today, providing motorists with an additional route into and out of Wichelstowe, connecting it to the M4 motorway at Junction 16.
The opening marks the completion of a significant infrastructure project by Swindon Borough Council, designed to support the long-term growth of Wichelstowe, a major housing development. A key element of the scheme was the construction of a new underpass beneath the M4, achieved with advanced engineering methods that minimised disruption to motorway traffic.
The new access route, formally known as the Wichelstowe Southern Access, runs east of Junction 16, linking Hay Lane and Wharf Road to the north with Croft Road to the east. While the M4 underpass was completed four years ago, Wichelstowe LLP, the developers, were responsible for building the final connecting road, Scott Way, in phases alongside new housing.
The road incorporates traffic calming measures and includes dedicated facilities for cyclists and pedestrians, enhancing connectivity for sustainable travel. National Highways owns the underpass, and plans are in place for commissioned artwork to create a welcoming gateway to Wichelstowe.
The wider Wichelstowe development is projected to deliver approximately 4,000 homes, a new district centre, and sections of the Wilts & Berks Canal. The scheme was funded by £22.9m from the Department for Transport via the former Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership, with an additional £5.8m contribution from the Council.
Based on information from the official source: Swindon Borough Council (26/10/2026)
