Delays for motorists after A339 lane closures

LANE closures on the A339 in Newbury caused big problems for motorists with the traffic in the town close to gridlock earlier today - and things could be about to get worse with further closures planned from tomorrow.

Off peak lane closures between Sainsbury's and the Robin Hood roundabout saw northbound traffic queuing up the Sandleford Link, while tailbacks were also reported through the town centre (below).

Tailbacks in Bartholomew Street, Newbury.

Frustrated drivers took to social media to vent their anger with some reporting journey times of up to 50 minutes to travel from central Newbury to Wash Common.

Ongoing roadworks to widen the busy stretch of the dual carriageway saw one lane of the northbound carriageway closed today and yesterday.

However from tomorrow the works will see both northbound lanes closed and traffic moved onto the other side of the road in a contra-flow arrangement, meaning one of the major routes through Newbury will be reduced to a single lane in both directions.

According to West Berkshire Council these lane closures are expected to be in place until October 5 between 9.30am and 3.30pm.

Following the resurfacing on October 6, West Berkshire Council has said there will be some evening work to install traffic detectors which will be carried out in the evening (7pm to 11pm) and will require northbound lane closures. 

The council, which is carrying out the works to widen the road ahead of the installation of a new junction, has said the works are weather dependent and subject to change.

West Berkshire Council has said it is entering into the final stage of Phase 1 of the A339 works which began in February 2016.

Work to demolish buildings on the London Road Industrial Estate is also ongoing ahead of the construction of the new access road from the A339 onto Fleming Road.