SIXTEEN months after it was due to open, the Shinfield Eastern Relief Road finally opened to traffic this morning … and even that opening date was delayed.
Cars were meant to be using the road from 6am this morning but last minute snagging meant that it didn’t open until just before 7am.
Road markings were being painted on the junction to Cutbush Lane just before the road was declared safe to open.
The new road, built by Hochtief and paid for by the University of Reading, leads to a new science park which is currently under construction. The university has paid for the road, which includes a new bridge over the M4.
The road has been beset with problems, but these have mostly been overcome, although drivers can expect some roadworks on the road as they attempt to fix some drainage issues.
In the statement last week ahead of the opening, Hochtief Project Director Doug Pratt said: “After overcoming several difficult challenges and quality issues, we are pleased that the Shinfield Eastern Relief Road can now be opened and we thank the local community for its tolerance and understanding throughout.”
Although the road is now open, there will be a temporary 30mph speed limit in place and cones laid against the kerb along a 100 metre stretch of the road near to the junction of Cutbush Lane – this is to enable the final touches to be installed by Hochtief’s team.
And the statement warns of some roadworks to come: “The majority of work to correct quality issues at Arborfield Road was completed at the beginning of October 2017, however, there is still a non-compliant section of new highway drainage between the Esso Garage and the new roundabout.
“In order to avoid a lengthy diversion route, this will be addressed after the Eastern Relief Road has opened.”
