Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is updating residents and road users of an alteration to the current traffic management system implemented on Vastern Road, as the network operator undertakes a multi-million pound upgrade to central Reading's electricity infrastructure.
Working with local authorities, communities and highways agencies to ensure that road-users experience the minimum of disruption during the £8 million project, SSEN will continue excavation on the roundabout at the entrance to Napier Road until Tuesday 7 May.
SSEN previously amended proposed works to better accommodate those living and working near to the upgrade programme 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.
SSEN's Construction Manager for the Reading project, Miles Crossley explains more: "After initial discussions with stakeholders and local authorities, SSEN altered the proposed traffic management system to run during the Easter holidays and cut any possible disruption to a minimum. This current system has enabled us to reach the roundabout on schedule and with advice from other external parties, we have agreed to extend these roadworks for a further seven days due to significant engineering difficulties that have been identified under the roundabout."
"Redundant utilities and the presence of an old road have been unearthed beneath the structure of the roundabout itself and to ensure the safety of our colleagues and our customers, we need to excavate with great care and this will extend the traffic management system by a week."
"We appreciate that this may be disappointing to commuters who were anticipating the end of the road works this weekend, but we need to work with other organisations to ensure the integrity of the structure and the long-term safety of this road and its users, so we need to extend the works for just a few days more."
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.