Drain works to cause road closure

WORK to repair drain covers will see a major route in Wokingham town closed after Easter.

South East Water says to ensure the safety of its workers, a three-day diversion will be in place on Oxford Road, off Reading Road.

A temporary closure notice has been issued by Wokingham Borough Council which will allow South East Water to renew the four drain frames and covers.

It is intended that residents will still be able to access their homes.

South East Water regional works delivery manager Philip Cereda, said: “There are several drain covers that need replacing on Oxford Road as the road surface has deteriorated around them.

“One cover is being removed as it is located above a redundant water main.

“We have planned this repair work during the first week of April in the Easter holidays to minimise the impact on local schools.”

Residents and businesses on Oxford Road will still be able to access their properties.

“A small section of Oxford Road will be closed between St Paul’s Gate and Villiers Mead for the duration of the work.

No vehicles will be able to pass along Oxford Road between its two junctions, at one end with Reading Road near Woosehill Roundabout, and at the other where it meets Barkham Road beside the level crossing at Wokingham railway station.

All vehicles will instead be directed to take the Bearwood Road to Sindlesham.

From there they will turn right into King Street Lane, and right again onto Longdon Road to meet the A329 Reading Road to Wokingham.

The same route is given for the journey in reverse.

“A diversion will be in place via Reading Road and Station Road, while access will be maintained for residents and businesses.

“Please be assured we will work as quickly and as safely as possible to complete the work and reinstate the road.”

The closure is expected to take place between Easter Monday, April 2 and Friday, April 5.