Reading’s biggest ever road resurfacing programme continues today with work starting on the next phase of main road improvements, which will see another 15 sections of major roads resurfaced over the next six weeks.
This is the continuation of a two-year programme in which 64 sections of major roads around Reading are being improved for residents this year alone.
The £4m major roads programme forms part of a wider £8m Reading Borough Council investment that also covers residential roads, including over 100 such roads surfaced between February and the end of April.
The Council’s commitment to improving highways has already led to:
- A 39% reduction in the number of pothole reports from the public, from 1,913 in 2021/22 to 1,168 in 2023/24
- Resurfacing of over 700 roads since 2019
- Completion of a 3-year, £9m investment in road improvements followed by the start of the current £8m investment
- The number of residential roads classified as in ‘good’ condition rise from 35% to 85%
The sections of road being improved will see closures to ensure work can be carried out quickly and safely, and a temporary ‘no waiting at any time traffic order’ will be in place to prevent parking on the road while the works are being undertaken. Residents and businesses directly affected will see advance notices put out alerting them to the work, along with on-street closure notices and resident letters being posted through doors. Residents will need to follow the signed diversions but will be provided with access on an individual basis when it is safe to do so throughout the process. Additionally, bus diversions will be in place.
Karen Rowland, Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety, said:
“We take our residents’ wishes very seriously, and we know that a good standard of roads is one of your top priorities – which makes it one of our top priorities too.
“Having followed a £9m road resurfacing investment with this latest £8m investment, which is making big strides in both main and residential road improvements, it is clear to see that we’re taking residents’ requests seriously on this and putting everything in to building a better road network for Reading.
“With over 100 residential roads being improved this spring along with these key major routes too, residents will see the difference we’re making very soon”.
Pic: Reading Borough Council
