Major road closure in Newbury due to gas leak

Following reports of a gas pipe leak, SGN need to implement a full road closure around the junction of Kings Road, Boundary Road and Hambridge Road.

This will start from Sunday evening (22 January) for approximately 7-10 days and is essential due to the position of the pipe in the road. Access will be maintained for residents and businesses via Mill Lane and a signed diversion will be in place for all other traffic.

This closure overrides the roadworks initially scheduled for Cognition Land and Water to carry out highway and drainage improvements for the Sterling Cables site that was meant to start on Monday 23 January. 

Once SGN complete their gas repairs, the planned phased roadworks for Kings Road and Hambridge Road to remain open with multi-way traffic lights will become operational for Cognition to complete their highway improvements.

It is advised that alternative routes are sought as it is inevitable there will be some disruption to journeys. There will be sufficient signage on display as far back as possible to inform drivers of the road closures and diversions. Please follow the diversion signs and use the A4 and the A339 during this time. 

Cllr Richard Somner, Executive Member for Planning, Transport and Countryside at West Berkshire Council, said:

“A gas leak takes precedence for the safety of our residents and businesses but we do understand the full road closure during this time will cause major disruption at short notice.

“We are working with all suppliers involved to minimise any inconvenience this will cause, especially the impact this will have on the planned phased works with Cognition. Until SGN say it’s safe to do so, the emergency work needs to be completed before Cognition can start. However, we are investigating if Cognition can partially continue with their planned work under this full road closure to minimise delays on completing the project.   

“In advance we want to thank residents, businesses and commuters for your patience throughout the works but please do allow extra time for your journey and we apologise for the inconvenience caused.”

Please visit your local bus company website for any change of route or time.

If you’ve got any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with SGN’s Customer Service team at: [email protected] or telephone: 0800 912 1700.

For more information and to keep up date with progress on these road closures, visit: https://one.network/?tm=GB132594278