Work to create a 21st century gateway to the Heart of Slough reaches a climax this month with the removal of the Brunel roundabout and the opening of a four point junction.
With large parts of the roadworks in the centre of Slough nearly complete, the much anticipated switchover from the existing Brunel roundabout to a four-way junction controlled by traffic lights will take place over the weekend of 21-23 October.
This is when the Brunel roundabout ceases to exist and the centre of Slough completely transforms; and those living and working in Slough are being urged to familiarise themselves with the new layout to help ensure the smooth running of traffic.
The opening up of the four-way junction is not the only big change taking place in the centre of Slough, there will also be a permanent change of direction in the traffic flow on High Street West:
- traffic (except buses) travelling northbound on Windsor Road towards the Slough Library will have to turn left into High Street West and then continue to the end where there will be a new traffic junction joining the A4 Wellington Street. From this junction, traffic can either turn left heading out of the town centre or turn right heading towards William Street and Slough Bus and Railway Station.
- traffic travelling southbound on Windsor Road towards the Slough Police Station will have the option of either continuing on Windsor Road or turning right into High Street West.
Once all the infrastructure improvements are complete, the centre of Slough will have been completely transformed and will include:
- a new four-way junction controlled by traffic lights to improve the traffic flow. The Brunel roundabout will cease to exist and new improved road level pedestrian crossings will be installed
- the subways under the Brunel roundabout will all close
- new wide pavements catering for pedestrians and cyclists around the junction will be installed
- a new tree lined boulevard will appear along the north and south sides of the A4 Bath Road from High Street West to Brunel Way.
- the existing footways on High Street West will be repaved and widened in places.
- new street furniture and street lighting throughout the scheme.
- the train station forecourt will be improved with new paving making it a more pedestrian friendly environment, relocation of the taxi pick up point plus the introduction of a new passenger drop-off area
The infrastructure project is part-funded by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and is expected to finish in spring 2012.
Councillor James Swindlehurst, commissioner for neighbourhoods and renewal said: “I would like to thank residents for their patience while these major roadworks have been taking place, and I would also like to thank Skanska for their work delivering what is a major step forward in the Heart of Slough project.
“The new junction is the key to unlocking new public realm which supports the next stage of the Heart of Slough regeneration project, including The Curve, new office, retail and housing. The junction will offer a more robust solution to managing the volume of traffic using the A4, and upgrades the pedestrian spaces surrounding it with new paving, surface level crossings, trees, landscaping and street furniture.”
Peter Jones, head of area at the HCA, said: “This is an exciting regeneration project for Slough which will help transform the centre of town. It is good to see that it is progressing well.
“This phase of regeneration will help improve transport and pedestrian access to the town centre, and create a better experience for visitors. This is an important step in revitalising the area.”
If you would like to comment on how the infrastructure project is being delivered, please email slough.queries@skanska.co.uk. If you have any questions concerning these works, please contact the 24-hour Skanska Customer Service Team on 0800 066 5006.
The major improvements to the road network in this area are part of the visionary Heart of Slough project worth £450 million to revitalise the town centre.
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