A really ambitious and widespread programme of road improvements is underway across Reading, in response to resident feedback that having good quality roads is a priority for you.
We are in week three of a ten-week programme that will see 106 residential roads resurfaced, as part of our 5-year, £8m investment in Reading’s highways. We’re really keeping the momentum going with improving your roads, as this follows straight on from the completion of a 3-year, £9m investment in road improvements which was completed in 2023.
It’s particularly pleasing to see the investment rewarded by figures that show this big effort is working so well in improving our road surfaces. These include:
A 39% reduction in the number of pothole reports from the public, from 1,913 in 2021/22 to 1,168 in 2023/24
Resurfacing of over 700 roads since 2019
The number of residential roads classified as in ‘good’ condition rise from 35% to 85%
Whilst we are focused right now on residential roads, this will then be followed by 64 main roads being improved later this year to ensure wherever you drive or cycle you should expect a good quality road surface.
These big steps are helping to significantly bring up the standard of our roads throughout Reading, and this is only possible thanks to Council-funded investments above and beyond government allocations. Residents across the borough, and all road users, are set to share in the benefits of our work and commitment.
Completing such a large number or roads in a short period of time means we’re focused on carrying out the work quickly and safely, so the sections of road being improved are all seeing temporary closures set out with temporary ‘no waiting at any time’ traffic orders in place to prevent parking on the road while the works are being undertaken.
Advance notices are being put out to alert residents and businesses directly affected to the work, along with on-street closure notices and resident letters being posted through doors. Residents will need to follow the signed diversions but you will be provided with access on an individual basis when it is safe to do so throughout the process, and bus diversions will be in place.
Whilst residents in the roads being resurfaced will be temporarily inconvenienced, it will only be for a short while, with most roads being completed in a day. At the end of it you’ll have a new, improved road surface that will make it worthwhile as we continue our push to make Reading’s roads the best they can be for you.
You can see the full list of roads set to be resurfaced along with the dates they are happening at: https://www.reading.gov.uk/roadimprovements
By Cllr Liz Terry, leader of Reading Borough Council
