Frustration at Reading queues caused by CityFibre roadworks

Internet company CityFibre is currently undertaking a project to provide modern internet accessibility to homes in the town.

The project involves installing fibre cabling underground, underneath pavements and roads, with the work being conducted by Instalcom.

The roadworks caused particularly long queues in Shinfield Road near the entrance to the University of Reading, with work also spotted in Queens Road and Erleigh Road as well.

Mr Bartholomew expressed “utter frustration” at the snaking queue caused by the roadworks in Shinfield Road, providing photos of traffic backed up at the entrance of the university.

He said: “As a resident of this area, I have been greatly inconvenienced by the closure of parts of the road in both directions, causing long traffic jams and chaos during peak hours.

“To add insult to injury, these roadworks are being carried out by CityFibre for broadband works, and I cannot help but comment on the irony of the situation.

“Here we have the University of Reading, an institution known for its climate research and action, situated directly opposite the roadworks that are leading to more carbon emissions, noise pollution and congestion.”

Queues caused by CityFibre roadworks at the entrance and exit of the University of Reading in Shinfield Road. Credit: Simon Bartholomew

Mr Bartholomew also accused Reading Borough Council and CityFibre of a lack of consideration as to the impacts the works would have on neighbours, the environment and the university.

He said: “As a community, we should be doing all we can to reduce our carbon footprint and protect the environment, but these roadworks seem to be working against that goal.

“Furthermore, the lack of communication and information about the duration of the road closures and the progress of the works is causing further annoyance and inconvenience.

“The council and CityFibre must be held accountable for the mismanagement of this project and the impact it is having on the community.

“I urge them both to take swift action to complete the works as soon as possible and ensure that future projects are planned and executed with more consideration for the community and the environment.”

CityFibre roadworks in Queens Road, Reading. Credit: James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporting Service

In response, a CityFibre spokesperson, said: “CityFibre is investing £58 million to transform Reading’s digital infrastructure and bring next generation full fibre connectivity to homes and businesses in the area.

“This is a major undertaking, which is why we are working closely with our build partner, local authorities and the council’s highways team to ensure all works are delivered as effectively and efficiently as possible.

“We always endeavour to inform the community well ahead of work starting, including sending advance notice letters and we were sorry to learn of concerns raised by a resident of Shinfield Road.

“We can confirm the works are now complete in this street and would like to thank the wider community for their patience during any recent disruption they may have encountered.

“We are extremely grateful for the support we’ve received to date while we deliver this major investment programme.”

Traffic delays are also expected due to CityFibre works with stop and go boards being in place in Tilehurst Road between its junctions with Artillery Mews and Cranbury Road from 8am to 6pm on Wednesday, May 10.