Drivers have been urged to avoid the roads this weekend as Reading remains ‘significantly disrupted’ by simultaneous roadworks.

City Fibre works in the Southampton Street area, a Network Rail operation in Tilehurst Road and closures on the M4 combined to create an congestion for commuters.

One resident reported being stuck in his car for more than an hour despite travelling less than half a mile.

A spokesperson for Reading Borough Council said:”The closure of the M4 by National Highways for its smart motorway project caused significant disruption across the town last weekend and is likely to do so for the duration of the work, which runs for another three weekends.

“The location of Reading so close to the M4, means it is always susceptible to long traffic delays when there is any sort of closure on the M4, planned or otherwise. Reading’s roads are not built to absorb that level of motorway traffic.

“Traffic flows last weekend were also not aided by the closure of Tilehurst Road by Thames Water on Friday evening as a result of an emergency leak. In these circumstances a road closure is out of the Council’s control.

“In terms of other road works in Reading, statutory undertakers like City Fibre have a legislative powers to carry out work to maintain, or upgrade, their key infrastructure. No highway authority can prevent a statutory undertaker from carrying out its legal duty.”

Following the disruption, Reading Borough Council has agreed with National Highways to change the times of roadworks planned for this weekend.

The M4 eastbound will now close between J12 and J11 from 9pm on September 30, rather than 8pm, and will reopen at 6am on October 1, rather than closing throughout the day, and close again at 10pm.

The M4 will then remain closed until 05.30am on October 3.

“Reading’s roads are nevertheless expected to be busy again and we would urge residents and visitors to consider avoiding driving in Reading where it is possible and consider alternative forms of travel for the duration for the National Highways works over the coming weekends.”

Cityfibre is making utility repair and maintenance work at the junction of Whitley Street and Christchurch Road until October 7, with further disruption in Southampton street until at least the end of the month.

Two-way traffic signals have been installed in Tilehurst Road while Network Rail undertake works that could last until January 29, with more in Oxford Road until April 30, 2023.

Steve Foxley, National Highways programme manager for the M4, said: “The work taking place during current weekend closures is the final stages of the upgrade to the M4 between junctions 3 and 12.

“This particular closure was for work to improve the bridge that carries the M4 over the River Kennet.

“We frequently review our closure plans and discuss and agree these with the local authorities in the area.

“We also work to ensure we put in place the appropriate diversions and communications during closures.”