Roadworks to begin on Newbury's Kings Road, Hambridge Road and Boundary Road, West Berkshire Council announces

Roadworks that caused gridlock in Newbury last year are due to restart on Monday (January 23).

The works will be taking place on parts of Kings Road, Hambridge Road and Boundary Road for the next 12 weeks and West Berkshire Council is advising motorists to find alternative routes.

Kings Road and Boundary Road were shut in August to allow highway and drainage improvements associated with the Sterling Cables development to be carried out and were due to last for around seven weeks.

But just two days in they were reopened after it caused traffic gridlock in the town centre and residents complained of days of "pure hell".

Police officers were also forced to close Mill Lane to ensure emergency vehicles could get in and out of the police station quickly after they were caught up in the chaos.

The works, which are being carried out by Cognition Land and Water Limited, have now been planned on a phased basis to ensure that Kings Road and Hambridge Road remain open at all times, with the use of temporary traffic lights.

Parking bays within the area will be suspended throughout the works.

Phase 1 and 2 will see work undertaken on Kings Road South/Boundary Road, adjacent to the development and will include a temporary closure of Boundary Road (south) for southbound traffic.

Phase 3 then sees work on Kings Road (north east quadrant), with Kings Road (north) in phase 4.

Phase 5 will however see some full night time road closures for the final carriageway re-surfacing works.

West Berkshire Council said: “While the works are planned to enable the flow of traffic, it is advised that alternative routes are sought as it is inevitable there will be some disruption to journeys.

“There will be sufficient signage on display as far back as possible to inform drivers of the diversions. Please follow the diversion signs and use the A4 and the A339 during this time.

Richard Somner, West Berkshire's executive member for planning, transport and countryside, added: “These works are essential to the completion of the development at the former Sterling Cables site and we acknowledge this will cause disruption for an extended period of time but we will do everything possible to minimise inconvenience to all.

“We have worked closely with Cognition Land and Water Limited so that roads stay open to allow traffic to flow, unlike the full road closures that took place last summer, to ensure the works are completed in a timely manner. I have asked officers to remain in close contact with the contractors throughout the work and to monitor the effect on traffic across Newbury.

“Residents and businesses directly affected will start to receive additional information from Cognition Land and Water Limited through their doors to explain the different phases of work and maps of the temporary traffic lights.

“In advance we want to thank residents, businesses and commuters for your patience throughout the works but please do allow extra time for your journey.”