Residents, businesses and commuters in central Reading are being informed of the next phase of an £8 million investment to support the area's electricity infrastructure resilience.
The multi-million pound programme being carried out by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) will future-proof the network, allowing for further commercial and residential connections, while greatly reducing the risk of power cuts throughout the area.
Starting from 8 April 2019, the project to replace nearly four kilometres of high voltage underground cable - which runs between SSEN's existing substations on Vastern Road and London Road -and the upgrade of the local substation serving Reading's residential and business customers will involve the use of a traffic management system eastbound on Vastern Road. The temporary measure on Vastern Road will be in place for three weeks before moving into Napier Road for two weeks;this section has been arranged to coincide with the start of the Easter holidays when the traffic flow in the area is reduced.
SSEN's Construction Manager for the Reading works, Miles Crossley said: "This investment is evidence of SSEN's ongoing commitment to deliver a resilient network that meets our customers' expectations, both now and in the future."
"While undertaking these works SSEN has been working with the local authorities and Highways Agency to employ this traffic management system at a time when it will cause the least disruption to road users. We fully appreciate that this is a busy road, but as the safety of both road users and our workforce is paramount, we have to reduce lanes to enable these vital works to be carried out."
"During this time, SSEN will be available to address any questions raised by the community, so that all parties involved are able to discuss and influence any possible impact these works may bring about."
Letter drops will be carried out to homes and businesses to update them on the phases of the project as it reaches their immediate area, with details of any management systems in use being posted on www.roadworks.org.