6.15pm update: The road has now reopened and traffic will be starting to flow again.
A MAJOR road in Reading has been closed by police this evening, causing rush hour chaos.
Forbury Road has been sealed off due to a grenade thought to date back to the Second World War.
It was located on a building site off Kenavon Drive, and due to the risks if it is still live, police have closed the road as a precaution.
A statement from Thames Valley Police on social media said: “Please be aware we are currently dealing with an unexploded ordnance incident in Kenavon Drive, Reading.
“A suspected World War Two grenade has been found at a building site near KFC. A cordon is in place and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit (EOD) is on its way to make the device safe.
“Forbury Road is currently shut eastbound between the Vastern Road and Kenavon Drive roundabouts so please avoid the area.
“Kenavon Drive is also shut in both directions – residents can access it via Gas Works Road.
“Thank you for your patience and co-operation, sorry for any inconvenience caused but public safety is our priority.”
Police have told Reading Today they do not know how long the closure will be in place for.
A spokesperson for Berkeley Homes told Reading Today: “A historic device was found during excavation works and has been taken away by the police.”
Traffic is building up along the IDR, including the Queens Road direction.
Buses, including the 13 and 14, are being diverted.
There is no access to the Forbury Retail Park or the Kenavon Drive estate, including Huntley Wharf, while the closure is in place.
Reading Buses tweeted:
A police incident affecting Orange 13/14 and Buzz 42. We are unable to serve Forbury Road. Orange 13/14 are diverting via Town Centre Loop.
Buzz 42 cannot serve Kenavon Drive.
We apologise for any inconvenience.— Reading Buses (@reading_buses) November 27, 2023
The company is now tweeting that additional services are being delayed by around 20 to 25 minutes.
Affected services currently include pink 22, berry 23, berry 24, pink 25, with delays for 20 minutes. There are also some short-notice cancellations.
