West Berkshire Council confirms Ashampstead Road closure by Bradfield College affecting Newbury area through most of 2025.
Ashampstead Road will close from February 24 to April 18. The road will close from June 30 to July 18. Also, it will close from October 13 to November 21. These closures happen weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm. Closures affect the road by the college up to the River Pang.
From April 21 to June 27, the road has different hours. The road will close weekdays from 9 am to 3 pm. The road opens at other times, including weekends. A single lane is open from July 19 to October 12. Multi-way signals will control traffic on that lane.
Buses and large trucks cannot use the road. This restriction is from February 24 to November 21. The Council says these times could change. Changes depend on the progress of repair work. Delays might also cause changes.
Bradfield College says the work is essential. Tiles could fall from a damaged roof. Falling tiles could hurt people or damage vehicles. They worked to lessen the closure’s impact. Major repairs are needed on a historic building.
An independent report showed roof concerns. The college needs to replace the roof carefully. Untreated, tiles could injure people or vehicles. A longer road closure could happen if they postpone repairs. They want to restore the building soon.
The college aims to protect Bradfield residents’ safety. They want to protect those passing through. They understand the road closure is disruptive. Many of their 500 employees live nearby. The closure angered residents last year. One person said it would cause misery.