RUSH-hour agony continued yesterday with the vast array of roadworks across the town conspiring to lengthen journey times.

Monday’s misery centred on long queues in Great Western Way as a result of the major work being carried out by Thames Water at Bruce Street Bridges.

However, motorists yesterday put the Tadpole Lane closure under fire as Thamesdown Drive wilted under the strain of extra traffic diverted away from the Blunsdon road.

The North Swindon lane has been closed since January 8, though problems have begun to mount this week thanks to the introduction of new lane closures and traffic controls at other points in the town.

Delays were further compounded by a heavy goods vehicle, which broke down on the A419 approach to Junction 15 of the M4 just before the morning rush hour struck. The lorry caused tailbacks which stretched as far back as Commonhead.

Posting on the Adver’s Facebook page, Anne-Marie Young said: “You get through North Swindon only to get caught in Cheney Manor and other areas.

“Stop doing all the roadworks all at once at the end of the financial year, they're in a shocking condition all year round.”

Charmaine Seymour commented: “I walk past the traffic coming off Thamesdown Drive on to Akers Way every morning on the school run and have noticed over the last few weeks it’s been getting worse.

“The closure of roads at Tadpole Lane and road closure for Bruce Street Bridges really doesn't help.”

Sharon Dowler wrote: “Mead Way is always congested, but on a morning it's now a nightmare.

“Go towards Bridgemead end and you're snarled up in the Bruce Street delays, back along Great Western Way.

“Try going northwards and Pembroke Park intersection is at a standstill. Maybe I should invest in a jet pack or hot air balloon to get me across town.”

Coun Keith Williams (Con, Shaw), cabinet member for Highways, Strategic Transport and Leisure, said: “These are difficult circumstances. These are not connected roadworks. We have tried to support developers and their developments by accommodating them with various traffic controls.

“We have tried to speak with developers and minimise disruption where possible. All of the work being done is improving the area, which is what people have to remember whilst they are being slightly inconvenienced.

“There is resurfacing work we need to do in Akers Way, which we have held off on as a result of all the work currently being done.

“We are thinking about the impact on drivers and halting work where possible to minimise disruption.”