Urgent Road Repairs Mean Town Centre Diversions

MAJOR repairs to two Town Centre roads will see temporary traffic and bus diversions in place while essential work takes place.

A section of Friar Street and the whole of Valpy Street are being repaired after the recent sustained period of adverse weather and sub-zero temperatures caused significant damage to road surfaces. Friar Street– between the junctions of Greyfriars Road and Station Road – will be closed for up to 10 days, starting on Saturday March 24. The duration of the closure is weather dependent. Traffic will be diverted along Caversham Road, Vastern Road and Forbury Road. Bus diversions will also be in operation during the road closure and bus passengers are advised to check details at affected bus stops or at http://www.reading-buses.co.uk/ for up to date information. Advance notice boards will be in place warning road users of the works and of the diversion route. Local businesses are being contacted to ensure that alternative access for deliveries is arranged in advance. The work will also mean that some parking bays near the junction of Friar Street and Greyfriars Road will be suspended to allow temporary bus stops to be put in place for the duration of the works. Once the Friar Street work is complete, the Council’s Highways Team will move into nearby Valpy Street. This will be closed from Tuesday April 3rd for up to 10 days. Again the duration of the closure is dependent on weather conditions. Advance notices will be in place before works begin and local businesses will be contacted nearer the time. The Council is additionally proactively contacting utility companies to offer them the opportunity to carry out any necessary repairs of their own during the closures.

Tony Page, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Member for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport, said:

“The combination of freezing temperatures, rain and snow in recent weeks has caused significant damage to both of these road surfaces, resulting in the need for these essential repairs. There is of course never an ideal time to carry out the work, but it is being publicised in advance to give road users and local businesses notice. “While a 10 day closure for both Friar Street and Valpy Street has been advertised, I know the Highways Team will make every effort to complete the works as quickly as possible. “They are also taking the opportunity to proactively contact utility companies so that they can use these road closures to carry out any maintenance work now in order to minimise future disruption.” Residents or local businesses who require more information should contact the Council on 0118 937 3787 or at resurfacing@reading.gov.uk.