Unforeseen ground conditions and delayed utility works have pushed the finish date to the current works on the A33 in Reading back to October.

The works, the fifth phase of the South Reading Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme, have been going on for more than a year and were due to be completed in Spring 2025.

Following the delays, contractor GRAHAM has now restarted works but a series of night closures of the road in both directions is imminent.

The work is part of Reading’s Bus Service Improvement Plan which attracted £26 million from the Department for Transport. The fifth phase will connect with previously installed bus priority measures but there is currently no funding for future phases.

A Reading Borough Council spokesman told Thames Tap: “The fifth phase of the South Reading Bus Rapid Transit project unfortunately suffered significant delays at the beginning of the year due to utility works and unforeseen ground conditions which required Environment Agency (EA) consultation.

“Lane closures often need to be kept in place, even if there is no or limited work taking place, either for the safety of construction workers or motorists if a section of the roadworks have not been fully completed to the required standards.

“The utility works are now complete and the necessary EA permissions granted which means our contractor can now continue the works without any third-party delays expected.

“This fifth phase of the South Reading BRT is due to be completed in October and there are currently no immediate plans, or funding, to deliver further phases.

“However, a fully connected bus route along the A33 remains a priority of the council’s Local Transport Plan.”

The full Saturday night closures (6pm – 9am) will take place between Bennet Road and the IDR on

  • Saturday, August 16
  • Saturday, August 30
  • Saturday, September 27

The same section of road will also be closed on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights (8pm-6am) on:

  • September 1 – 4
  • October 6 – 9
  • October 13 – 16

Diversions via Bennet Road, Basingstoke Road, Southampton Street/Whitley Street and the IDR will be signposted.

Access to Kennet Island and other local properties and business premises will be available via onsite traffic management staff.

New bus lanes and stops are included in the works along with a new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Kennet to allow a bus lane to be extended without taking road space away from general traffic.

Cllr John Ennis, lead councillor for climate strategy and transport, said: “This series of works will progress the latest phase of the South Reading Bus Rapid Transit scheme towards its completion.

“Once finished, the scheme will provide even quicker and more reliable journeys for bus passengers travelling between south Reading and the town centre. It will also improve access to shops and businesses which were previously difficult to reach by public transport.

“The nature of the forthcoming works means they cannot be carried out safely without some overnight closures of a section of the A33 relief road.

“We appreciate this will inevitably cause some disruption and I would like to thank road users for their patience during these periods.”

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