An eight million pound upgrade programme to improve the resilience of central Reading's electricity infrastructure is now reaching its next phase.
Carried out by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), the multi-million pound project involves the replacement of nearly four kilometres of high voltage underground cable and the upgrade of the local substation serving Reading's residential and business customers.
When completed, the works will future-proof the network and its supply, allowing for further commercial and residential connections - while greatly reducing the risk of power cuts throughout the area - and is part of SSEN's commitment to taking a "you said, we did" approach to investing in its vital infrastructure.
SSEN's Construction Manager for the Reading project, Miles Crossley said: "Since starting this project in April of this year, our team has liaised with local authorities to make every effort to reduce disruption to commuters by minimising the time spent working on roadways and carrying out any essential works during quieter periods."
"To ensure the safety of both workers, road-users and pedestrians this final stage of the improvement works will involve a traffic management system at the Vastern Road roundabout leading towards Napier Road."
"This system will be in place from Saturday 19 October for two weeks and has been scheduled to accommodate school holidays and the resultant reduced traffic in the area."
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 nearby 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.