Residents and motorists across Slough say traffic disruption linked to a series of ongoing roadworks has reached a crisis point, affecting daily journeys, emergency response access and local businesses.
What is happening on the roads
Work on the A4 Bath Road cycle lane and junction improvements at Farnham Road has brought lane closures, adjusted traffic signals and temporary lights to a number of key routes. Temporary arrangements are understood to remain in place until the first phase of the junction improvements is completed, around mid-October, while the Bath Road cycle works are due to continue until 2028.
Local impact and concerns
Drivers and residents describe journeys that once took minutes stretching out to long delays. A local resident who regularly uses Bath Road to take his child to school said congestion has hit “breaking point”. He described fixed-fare taxi journeys taking far longer, delivery drivers avoiding peak times and ambulances encountering difficulty passing through clogged streets.
“We’re always stuck in the Three Tuns area. People are frustrated with the bus lanes and with the cycle lane works until 2028,”
Another resident reported seeing only one cyclist and one bus user during a 35-minute period on the A4 — calling into question the short-term benefits of the current arrangements — and warned the situation could pose a risk if emergency vehicles cannot get through.
- Key roads affected: A4 Bath Road, Farnham Road and multiple junctions around the town.
- Temporary traffic management: lane closures, altered signals and temporary lights.
- Disruption timeline: temporary arrangements until mid-October; cycle works scheduled until 2028.
Practical consequences for residents
Those travelling locally say journeys of about 1.5 miles that previously took 15–20 minutes can now take nearly 40 minutes. Parents, shift workers and businesses relying on timely deliveries report higher stress and operational impacts. Concerns have also been raised about the long-term implications if housing development continues without concurrent investment in transport infrastructure.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| First phase completion | Around mid-October (temporary arrangements remain until then) |
| Bath Road cycle works | Planned until 2028 |
Councils and contractors typically stage improvements to manage long-term benefits, but residents say the immediate cost is high. Drivers describe rerouting to avoid congestion only to encounter additional traffic lights on alternative streets. There are calls for clearer information on timetables and contingency plans to protect access for emergency services.
Coverage will continue as the works progress and authorities publish updates on phasing and expected reopenings. In the meantime, motorists are advised to allow extra time for journeys and consider alternative routes where possible.
