Organisations warn over Berkshire motorway closure
The university of Reading, Thames Valley police and Reading football club are amongst those who will be affected by the M4 closure this weekend
Motorists and residents, including families planning trips out this weekend, are being warned about the closure of the M4 at Reading.
The motorway will close in both directions between junction 10 Reading East and junction 11 Reading central from 9pm on Friday evening (18/9) until early Monday morning (21/9).
The closure is for electricity company SSEN to carry out essential cable work.
A spokesperson for SSEN said:
"This weekend’s crucial work involves running new high-voltage wires across the M4, and the only safe way to do this is to close this section of the road to all traffic for a short period."
The closure clashes with a Reading FC home game against Notts County, the club fear it'll hit their attendance as fans stay away from potential congestion. To counter this they're asking fans to arrive early and stay a little later after the game.
A Reading FC spokesperson said:
"We've put on a number of additional activities and offers around the stadium, including free F1 shuttle buses from Reading town centre and the train station between 12pm and 1pm, food and drink offers, live music, the Premier League early kick-off on the big screen and post-match offers."
Thames Valley Police are also holding their annual open day at Sulhamstead near to the closure - they're asking people to plan their journeys and leave extra time.
There's also a major race meeting at Newbury racecourse and it's the weekend students return to the university of Reading to begin their new academic year. University officials have warned students to allow extra time and follow the diversion route.
'Frustrating'
Reading football club say they were not consulted in advance of the closure something they've described as 'frustrating'. So why was this weekend chosen?
SSEN said: "Wherever possible, each set of works involving the motorway or trunk road networks is carefully planned with National Highways to avoid overlapping with others which have already been scheduled in the vicinity. The dates for our works were agreed to avoid coinciding with closures on the M3 which took place last weekend. Other events in the area and key holiday dates are also factored in, to identify when traffic flows are lower to minimise overall disruption. National Highways also works with the emergency services and local authorities to co-ordinate with other works on the wider road network.
"Spectators travelling to Reading FC’s home fixture against Notts County at the Select Car Leasing Stadium this Saturday are advised to allow additional time for their journeys. Following discussions between us, National Highways and Reading FC about these essential works, we're working with the Club to minimise disruption and help supporters plan their journeys ahead of the 3pm kick-off.
"Many students will be travelling to the University of Reading ahead of the new term this weekend. Campus staff are communicating with students, to advise them of the need to plan ahead and allow more time for journeys to their accommodation."
Full details of the closure are here
Details of Reading FC's plans here