FAQ’s
Why are these works necessary?
With the new IKEA store set to open in the summer of 2016, the existing highway around
Calcot is to be improved. The improvements focus on the M4 Junction 12, Calcot
Interchange Junction and Pincents Lane with the existing roundabout at Calcot Interchange
replaced with an intelligent signalised junction which controls traffic flows. This system can
be remotely monitored from all access points to manage traffic flows.
How long will the works last?
The works started on the 20th July and are scheduled to last for approximately 10 months.
Why is Dorking Way Closed?
Primarily, Health and Safety is behind the closure of Dorking Way. Due to the high levels of
slow moving plant and large lorries entering and exiting our site compound at high
frequencies during the works. Our Health and Safety Manager requested that a risk
assessment be carried out for the entering and exiting of the site compound. Having carried
out the risk assessment the control measure that reduced all risk from the task was to close
Dorking Way and use it only as access for construction related vehicles that are under our
control.
As I’m sure you can appreciate we as a company can’t control the actions of road users so
we have made this decision in the interest of our employees and the general public’s safety.
Will there be traffic lane restrictions/ temporary signals in used during peak hours?
Firstly our programme is currently working Monday – Friday (with no work at weekends) 2
lanes of traffic will be maintained during am and pm peaks. We are trying to carry out as
much of the offline work as possible without the need to reduce the number of lanes. At
specific points during the construction of the scheme lane closure will apply but they will all
be during off-peak times.
Will the bus service to Sainsbury be affected?
There will be no restrictions to the day to day bus service to Sainsburys until works start on
constructing the new and improved layout at the Calcot Interchange itself. At this point this
will temporarily require a relocation of the bus stop to the lay by on Bath Road. It is
anticipated that the bus stop will be relocated for approximately 6 weeks and will apply to
both local buses and National Express.
Will I still be able to access Pincent’s Lane and if so how do I gain access?
Yes, access to Pincent’s Lane and all the businesses will be maintained at all times. some
traffic management will be located on Pincents Lane but all routes will be maintained.
What works are being carried out at Junction 12 of the M4 and will there be traffic
restrictions?
An additional traffic lane is being constructed on the approach to Calcot from Theale side of
the elevated roundabout. We are currently in discussions with local landowners to construct
these works from behind the safety barrier to reduce traffic impact. Off-peak restrictions will
be required for the tie-ins, re-surfacing and white lining of the road but these will be kept to a
minimum.
Will pedestrian signal crossings at the junction be affected?
Yes, the pedestrian crossings on Bath Road (east of the Calcot Interchange) and the signal
crossings in the Calcot Interchange will be affected. All crossing points fall within the
construction works required to widen the existing carriageway and due to health and safety
cannot remain open. The Bath Road crossing will be closed from the 17/08/2015.
How will this affect traffic to Reading Festival?
We are fully aware of the congestion caused by the Reading festival and have programmed
our works in such a manor that increased congestion over this weekend will not influenced
by any works we are carrying out. We will ensure that at all times there are no lane
restrictions maintaining the current carriageway arrangements as far as possible.