Up to 281 Reading roads will be closed for resurfacing over the next four months, starting today (February 8).

The work will add to the 155 residential roads already completed under Reading Borough Council’s three-year £9m highways programme.

An additional 34 pavements will also be completed by the end of March, in what the council called its “most intensive and biggest ever road improvement project.”

Councillor for transport Tony Page said: “We committed three years ago to improving over 400 roads and footways in the borough through an investment of £9m.

“This was a bold and ambitious target set thanks to the Council listening to residents’ feedback about what was most important to them in their local area.

“I’m delighted that the project is nearing its conclusion.”

He continued: “This will make a huge difference to the wide variety of people who rely on Reading’s road network including cyclists, drivers, pedestrians and public transport users.”

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Residents will receive a letter in advance to notify them of the proposed works on their residential street.

During the road closure residents’ vehicle access will only be available when it can be done safely; residents can liaise with site staff on this.

Any parked vehicle obstructing the work will be liable for a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) and will be removed.

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The roads will be laid with micro-asphalt, which the council said is a cost-effective way of improving and prolonging the life expectancy of the road with a low carbon footprint.

For a few weeks after the work, the treated roads will seem rough and gravelly whilst the material is left to settle, prior to the road being closed again temporarily so the contractor can return to sweep the road and paint the road markings to leave a smooth, completed surface, with ironworks adjusted where necessary.

The councils new three year budget announced last week commits a further £8m investment in road improvements.