Wiltshire troops help improve training on Salisbury Plain

Wiltshire-based soldiers have joined forces with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) in a project which will improve the safety of military training on Salisbury Plain and help save millions for the taxpayer.

Troops from 22, 23 and 26 Royal Engineer Regiments, based near Tidworth, are carrying out some of the construction work on tank tracks and crossings around the Plain. This provides valuable training for the soldiers, as well as helping the Ministry of Defence (MOD) deliver value for money. 

Some 30 kilometres of stone tracks have been upgraded or realigned since construction on the Eastern Infrastructure Project began in September 2009. The project as also seen 15 highway crossings rebuilt so far, with some relocated to improve road safety. 

Talking about the project, Lt Col Nigel Linge of DIO said:  "DIO’s priority is to support our Armed Forces as they prepare for operations. This is a win-win situation, with access to the Training Area east of Tidworth much improved. This, in turn, spreads the training load more evenly over the whole Plain.

“The work is delivered to a high standard and our troops get the training benefit of practicing their road making skills too. As a bonus, with the task being so close to their base, it is also most convenient for the soldiers involved."

When complete, the project is expected to have saved in excess of £2 million. The work also supports the development of Tidworth and Bulford Garrison. It will have improved 18 crossings and 37 kilometres of stone tracks, including three river crossings and five hard-standings on Salisbury Plain.  

To date, one hard standing stone track for vehicles and equipment and one short section of stone track have been delivered with help from the Royal Engineers.  It is planned that three kilometres of stone track in the Perham area will be delivered by the Engineers between November 2012 and July 2013. 

Two new tank crossings across Somme Road and Perham to Kimpton Road will allow access to the track.Hanson Contracting started the construction work on the two new tank crossings last month.  They will shut down on Friday 21 December for the Christmas break and re-commencing work on 2 January to finish on Tuesday 15 January.

In order to minimise disruption to residents. the contractor has provided a traffic management system and a shuttle lane to maintain access along the highway rather than close the road. This allows traffic to pass under controlled traffic lights which may give rise to delays particularly in the rush hour periods. The contractor has also provided a pedestrian access route to bypass the site.  

ENDS

Further information:

Press enquiries to Tony Moran, Senior Communications Officer 0121 311 3879 or email tony.moran572@mod.uk DIO website: www.mod.uk/dio

Notes to editors

1. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) is responsible for providing, developing and maintaining a safe and sustainable training estate and facilities to meet the requirements of Defence.  The area of DIO which delivers these outputs is called the Defence Training Estate (DTE). 

2. The DTE specifically supports the training requirements of Defence by providing a safe and sustainable training estate and facilities. The DTE delivers military training facilities and training advice and support in order to prepare troops for operations worldwide.  Safe operation of ranges and live firing areas, including public safety, is a prime consideration.