A WARNING has been issued over plans to shut a busy road in Reading town centre to allow for ultrafast broadband cables to be installed.
The work starts on Monday, June 13, and continues across the week.
CityFibre’s team says the work – part of a £58 million investment into the borough’s infrastructure – will take place in two sections.
The good news is the work will take place during off-peak times, although school runs may be affected.
A northbound closure of George Street at its junction with Vastern Road roundabout will take place between 9.30am and 4pm on Monday, June 13, through to Wednesday, June 15.
Then the southbound side will be closed between 9.30am and 4pm, on Thursday, June 16, and Friday, June 17.
Stacey King, area manager at CityFibre, was mindful of criticism over previous works, which has led to Reading Borough Council calling for a meeting with the firm which will take place on Thursday, July 7.
“CityFibre is investing £58m into Reading to transform its digital infrastructure and bring next-generation full-fibre connectivity to almost every home and business in the town,” she said.
“This is a major undertaking, which is why we are working closely with our build partner, local authorities and the council’s highways team to ensure all works are delivered as effectively and efficiently as possible.
“We’d like to reassure residents that we are doing everything possible to manage disruption.
“Next week’s works are taking place during off-peak hours with a diversion route in place via Caversham Bridge, which will help to ease traffic.”
She added: “We’d like to thank residents and commuters for their patience during any recent delays they may have encountered.
“We are extremely grateful for the support we’ve received from the wider community to date while we deliver this major investment programme.”
CityFibre says that by giving the town access to full-fibre internet connections, with speeds of up to 1Gbit, it could unlock £85 million in business productivity and innovation.
The first areas to be connected were in Norcot and Battle wards, with installation conducted by Instalcom.
