Hambridge Road works set to end four months late

In August, work started to install a roundabout at the Hambridge Lane, Hambridge Road junction to service a new bridge which is due to be built in 2014 to access the new 1,500 home development at Newbury racecourse.
Despite an initial deadline of November last year, the roadworks are still ongoing. The road is one of the major routes between Newbury and Thatcham and the works have caused rush-hour gridlock and increased traffic on the nearby A4.
Temporary two-way traffic lights are to be installed at the junction on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 February while the final phase of road resurfacing is carried out, which will control traffic entering and leaving Hambridge Lane.
Road users are being advised to find alternative routes where possible, while the road will be closed entirely to heavy-goods vehicles and diverted along the A4 and A339.
A spokeswoman for racecourse developer David Wilson Homes, Annie Johansen, said the delays were caused in November by “the complicated amount of utility cables in the roundabout” and that the road layout was taking longer than anticipated to complete.
This had a knock-on effect on the construction of the roundabout, which is now due to be completed in March.
Project manager for the firm, Daniel Pavely, said: “We want to thank all local residents and businesses for their patience and courtesy these last few months towards the workmen onsite.
“In relations to the weekend of 16th and 17th February, we ask that you please stick to these temporary routes and where necessary make alternative arrangements for the two days.”