As works progress on the £8 million upgrade to central Reading's electricity infrastructure, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is advising residents, commuters and businesses of a change to forthcoming roadworks.
With cable excavations starting on the 8 April 2019 on Vastern Road, SSEN has liaised with local authorities, communities and highways agencies to ensure that road-users experience the minimum of disruption during the project that will include the replacement of nearly four kilometres of high voltage underground cable - running 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. Following further discussions, it has been decided to alter the route of the roadworks to better suit those living and working nearby.
SSEN's Construction Manager for the Reading project, Miles Crossley explains further: "As part of these works, SSEN needs to cross the roundabout at Vastern Road, eastbound into Napier Road and having listened to feedback and spoken further with local authorities and stakeholders, have taken the decision to alter the initial traffic management system, so that only lane three as you approach the roundabout - heading eastbound, will be closed from 8 April through to 26 April."
"This will now enable the two existing lanes on the roundabout to operate freely, while ensuring the safety of road users, pedestrians and our engineers as they progress the cabling across the roundabout itself and onto Napier Road."
"SSEN wants to make sure that these temporary traffic management systems are in place at times of reduced road use, such as the Easter holidays and this is the amended route and timing that causes the least disruption."
The investment programme in Reading's network reflects SSEN's ongoing commitment to delivering a resilient network that meets customers' expectations, both now and in the future.
SSEN aims to minimise disruption during any work it carries out, while maximising the safety of all those in the vicinity and 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 continue to 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.