A BUSY through route between Reading and Wokingham borough is to be closed for a week from Monday – and residents are hoping it will lead to an improved road surface.
Palmer Park Avenue is on the boundary between the
two local authorities and used by residents wanting to avoid the A329 to access parts of east Reading.
Thames Water is behind the closure, from Monday, January 15, through to Friday, January 19.
This will create new water connections between the Palmer Park stadium and the carriageway’s mains.
Although the works are away from the bridge, the firm intends to investigate why this area floods, with sewer collapse as one of the potential reasons.
During the recent heavy rain caused by winter storms, the road has been submerged at times, and the surface has been cracking up.
A resident told Reading Today the issue had been going on for a long time and was causing problems.
Park ward councillor Rob White said that Thames Water had agreed to investigate the flooding.
He added that several parking suspensions have been arranged to allow for vehicle passing points and an area for vehicles to turn around on either side of the point of closure.
There will be a temporary introduction of a No Stopping or Waiting at any time will be implemented within these suspended bays.
Cllr White, who is also leader of the main opposition party on Reading Council, said: “Residents have been raising the dangerous flooding and hazardous potholes under the Palmer Park Avenue bridge for some time.
“When it is flooded the potholes are hidden making this stretch very dangerous.
“Unfortunately, the issues are at the boundary of Reading and Wokingham. We have been raising the problems with both councils. Reading has informed us that Thames Water is investigating a possible sewer collapse.
“We haven’t heard back from Wokingham on the potholes under the bridge.
“It is disappointing that progress is so slow but Green councillors will keep up the pressure.”
The reference for Thames Water’s works is MU092-81191290KC
