THE opening date of the Shinfield Eastern Relief Road has been revealed – 16 months after it was due to open.
In a statement released by builders Hochtief, they have said that the following one final overnight closure of Cutbush Lane on Monday night, the relief road will open at 6am on Tuesday, October 31.
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, 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 will open next week, 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.”