The works involve widening the A339 on both sides between the Pinchington Lane Roundabout in Newbury and the entrance to the Household Waste Recycling Centre. With a new traffic signal-controlled junction connecting the A339 to the new Highwood Copse Primary School, a pedestrian crossing is also being installed to ensure users can cross the new carriageways safely.

The project, which is part funded by Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s Local Growth Deal Funding, also includes relocation of underground utility services on both sides of the A339, significant surface water drainage works and new footway construction.

These works are due to start in October 2020 and will last until Spring 2022. This project is part of VolkerHighways’ seven-year term maintenance contract with West Berkshire Council, which started in 2016.

Richard Somner, West Berkshire’s executive member for Highways and Transport said: “This is a project that will offer long-term benefits by providing necessary infrastructure. Initially, the new junction will serve the school, and is a planning condition for the school. However, it also has the potential to provide essential access to housing in the future."

Alistair Thompson, managing director of VolkerHighways, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this further infrastructure package as part of our highly successful partnership with West Berkshire through the highways term maintenance contract. This work will ensure safe and convenient access to the new school for all road users and is a welcome addition to the local highway network.”