Henley,
09
August
2017
|
12:28
Europe/London

Subsiding road near Henley to undergo major repairs and improvement

Work will be starting on 21 August 2017 on major repairs to the A4155 Henley Road between Playhatch roundabout and Spring Lane.

Oxfordshire County Council is to carry out essential repair work after the embankment was found to be slipping, causing the road surface to crack and become unsafe in places.

Stabilising embankment improving drainage

Around £1m will be spent stabilising the failing embankment along the westbound lane with a sheet pile retaining wall, installing a vehicle restraint system, making improvements to the road drainage system and renewing the carriageway surfacing.

The work starting on 21 August will be carried out under the traffic signal control that is in place at the moment. However, from 29 August the road will need to be fully closed for engineering and safety reasons.

It is anticipated that the full closure will be in place for 10 weeks. The public footpath between the A4155 and Dunsden Green will also be closed during this time.

A signed vehicle diversion route will be in place via A4155 to Caversham, A4074 to Crowmarsh Gifford, A4130 to Henley and A4155 towards Spring Lane.

Businesses open and accessible

Businesses will be open and accessible during the work with road signs clearly stating this.

Access gates will be provided for local residents and will be maintained throughout the works.

Highly challenging work

County Councillor Yvonne Constance, Cabinet member for the environment, said: “There is no question that this work is complex, highly challenging and essential.

“We know that there will be disruption for people while the work is done, and we appreciate everyone’s patience while we have been carrying out the necessary investigations and working out exactly what needs doing to make sure the road is made safe again.“While we need to get on with the work we are also doing what we can to ensure everyone is able to get around and live as comfortably as possible.

“It almost goes without saying that we only do work like this when it is absolutely essential. In this case it is almost an emergency due to the state of the road and by acting now we will ensure that normal traffic and travel through the area will be restored soon.”