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Wiltshire Council has approved the appointment of a specialist contractor to begin the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) stage of the M4 Junction 17 improvement scheme. MJ Church has been appointed as the contractor for the massive £31 million project. The contractor will advise on the building programme, how to take advantage of potential cost savings, and produce accurate construction estimates to complete a Full Business Case, which will be submitted to the Department for Transport (DfT) in autumn 2026.

Junction 17 plays a crucial role in connecting the M4 with key Wiltshire towns including Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge and Westbury. Traffic volumes have grown significantly in recent years, with the A350 increasingly used as a strategic north-south route between the Midlands and the south coast, putting pressure on the existing layout and leading to some delays.

If approved by the DfT, the scheme will increase capacity by introducing traffic signals on all approaches to the roundabout, widening carriageways on the junction approaches and slip roads, expanding the motorway bridge from two lanes to three, improving the roundabout layout and removing or reconfiguring nearby laybys.

The plans have been designed to remain within the existing highway boundary, avoiding the need for additional land.

The project is expected to cost around £31m, with 85% funded by the DfT and the remaining 15% by Wiltshire Council. It previously secured Outline Business Case approval in 2024, and the upcoming Full Business Case will determine whether full government funding is granted.

If approval is given, construction would begin in spring 2027 and take about a year to complete.

Councillor Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: The appointment of a contractor marks an important milestone for the M4 J17 project, which will benefit residents, businesses and road users for many years to come.

Junction 17 is a critical gateway into our county, and these improvements will help ensure it can support the growth and economic activity we expect across Wiltshire.

Appointing a contractor at this stage gives us the expert advice we need to strengthen our business case, before moving to construction if funding is confirmed by DfT.