Residents across Calcot have hit out at road works on M4 – calling them ‘abysmal’ – after dealing with weeks of misery in their homes.
Over the last few months, road works have started on both the M4 Eastbound and Westbound between junction 11 and 12 to facilitate structural works and restoration of Burghfield bridge.
The diversion through A4 Bath Road has therefore meant that a once desirable area has turned into a residents nightmare.
A Calcot resident who spoke to the Chronicle after weeks of disruptions said that the diversion comes with a ‘scant regard for the impact on everyday life’.
She explained: “As a resident on the Bath Road, the situation has just been abysmal. The diverted traffic has just been constant.
“During the weekend traffic is at a near standstill and when traffic is less during the evenings, lorries are hurtling past as if they are still on a motorway, with speeds well above 40mph.
“I’ve contacted authories but apparently there has to be two deaths for them to consider a change in the speed limit.”
According to residents, there are currently over 64 apartments along the road on the A4 Bath Road that are being affected by the increase in traffic from the M4.
This includes a variety of families that are currently being forced to deal with continuous disruptions to their everyday lives.
“Since the road works began, I haven’t been able to open my windows if I want to have a conversation because the front of the house faces out onto the road and the traffic is so loud,” a resident added.
“Unfortunately there’s nothing we can do about the diversions but a reduced speed limit would be ideal and some evidence of policing the speeds might deter offenders.”
The houses of Bath Road are currently on tax band E for council tax, which comes out at £2,586.11.
The outrage at having to pay the ‘extortionate’ amount with an area with so much disruption has been raised to West Berkshire Council over the last few months.
The road works taking place on the M4 during specific weekends between April and July are due to National Highway repairs on the Burghfield Road Bridge.
The section of the M4 between junction 11 and 12 is also receiving temporary works to include emergency bays for drivers and is expected to go on until Spring 2025.
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