“It’s going to be a nightmare” — that’s the verdict from one driver worried about weeks of major road disruption in Bracknell.
Last week the News revealed the A3095 northbound will be closed for 12 weeks from Monday, June 15 as improvement works get underway.
READ MORE: Major disruption coming as road set to close 12 for weeks to improve highway
This worried motorists who were confused about how they might get around for the next three months, and angered residents who questioned why the works had not started when roads were quiet when lockdown was introduced in March.
We asked Bracknell Forest Council the key questions our readers asked.
Why is this work taking place now?
Reacting to the news, Bob, a Bracknell News reader, said: “Absolutely classic, start the work when we hopefully come out of lockdown! Great planning as usual!”
In response, Neil Mathews, Bracknell Forest Council’s head of highways and transport, said the work was originally planned to start in July 2020.
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He added: “Although, the initial preparation work was suspended due to the impact of COVID-19 and the loss of several supply chain partners that ceased to operate.
“We have been working with our highway contractor, Ringway, to piece back together the various resources and contractor commitments needed to start the main construction project.
“The need to follow Public Health England guidelines on social distancing in such a busy working environment has involved considerable risk assessment and planning by our contractors.”
Is the 12-week work period a minimum?
Paul, another Bracknell News reader, said the council should have started the work 12 weeks ago around the time lockdown began.
We asked BFC if the 12-weeks worth of work is a minimum estimated timeframe.
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Neil Mathews responded: “As with all major civil engineering projects, work programmes can need adjustment if accelerated progress is made or unforeseen circumstances are found.
“At this stage, we anticipate the need for a 12-week closure to complete this phase of work ahead of the new school year.
“However, updates will be provided on our dedicated webpage: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/A3095.”
How else will I get to where am I going?
A number of readers commented worrying about how they will find their way to where they are heading once the road shuts.
Lou said: “I don’t know another way to work. It’s going to be a nightmare.”
READ MORE: Road closures at school as kids go back
Diversion routes will be signed for traffic and pedestrians throughout the closures.
BFC has created an alternative route map to help drivers unsure of different ways around.
Coming from Crowthorne or Sandhurst, drivers can take the B3430 eastbound before joining the A322 to get to Bracknell town centre.
Another option coming from south of Bracknell, is to take the B43430 (Nine Mile Ride) westbound before taking Peacock Lane, turning right at the Jennett’s Park roundabout on to Berkshire Way before reaching the Twin Bridges roundabout.
If you’re driving from south of Bracknell Forest, near Sandhurst, you can take the M3, the M25 and the M4 to get to Bracknell.
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