FROM tomorrow a stretch of the A33 will be closed as a new bus lane is installed on the busy commuter route.

The northbound carriageway between Longwater Avenue and Island Road while contractors carry out their work.

The closure will start at 9.30am and end at 3.30pm with all lanes reopening for the morning and evening rush hours.

Tony Page, lead member for transport, said: "While the off peak lane closures are unavoidable as this project progresses, working with contractors we have delayed them as much as possible to minimise inconvenience for road users.

"All lanes will be fully open during the morning and evening peak periods but we would urge all road users travelling outside of those hours to plan for some delays and build in extra time for their journeys."

The southbound carriageway will see similar closures anticipated to start in mid-June.

A new bus lane is being installed along the route as part of the borough council's new Mass Rapid Transport scheme.

Some weekend closures will be needed but these will be scheduled to avoid Reading FC home games and Reading Festival.

The first section of the project, between the Imperial Way roundabout and M4 Junction 11, was completed in December last year.

Phase 2 runs between Kennet Island and Imperial Way and work began in April.