Albert Road resurfacing planned - diversion will be in place

20th September 2011

Essential resurfacing of the busy A308 Albert Road between Windsor and Old Windsor is to be carried out over the weekend of 7 to 10 October.

This resurfacing has been on the council's 'to do' list for some time and has been postponed a couple of times because of the impact it will have on traffic - Albert Road is a key route for locals and visitors, and forms part of the route from the M25 to Windsor and Legoland.

With rutting and surface cracks increasing and skid resistance decreasing, the work can now no longer be delayed. Dates were decided after careful and thorough consideration by the Royal Borough and contractors Balfour Beatty - factoring in major events, Legoland opening times, Ascot Racecourse fixtures, school terms, potential weather conditions, Christmas trade and the Olympics.

The 1,450m of road between the Osborne Road roundabout in Windsor and the Datchet Road roundabout in Old Windsor will be closed to traffic from 7pm on Friday 7 to 7am on Monday 10 October.

The council has also arranged a provisional road closure for the following weekend (10pm on Saturday 15 to 7am on Monday 17 October) which would then be available should adverse weather delay the work. This would only be used if absolutely necessary.

Weekend and night working was decided on as it was recognised that the original plan - to carry out resurfacing over three consecutive week days and evenings - would result in substantial delays and inconvenience to this major traffic route.

A 13-mile signed diversion will be in place via Ascot and Englefield Green - as Albert Road is an A-road the council is legally required to divert traffic onto other A-roads and this is the shortest acceptable route available. However local roads will still be open.

From today (Monday 19 September) the Council's electronic message boards will advise motorists of the work and potential delays. The council is also advising major businesses and local residents.

A map showing the signed diversion route is available by visiting www.rbwm.gov.uk and following the link.

Cllr Phill Bicknell, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Environment, said: "Albert Road is one of our busiest roads, with about 20,000 vehicles using it every day, and unfortunately this work will inevitably impact on traffic between Windsor and Old Windsor.

"I apologise in advance for any disruption caused but this work absolutely has to be carried out - we cannot allow the road to reach a point where it is dangerous to use.

"We have done everything in our power to minimise the disruption and now we just have to get on and do the work. The contractor will be working 24 hours a day throughout the weekend.

"If there is any way you can avoid making your journey during the closure please do, and if not then please find a suitable alternative route."

The estimated cost of the work is £230,000.