A34: Almost 10-mile stretch to close for two weekends

A long stretch of the A34 is scheduled to close for the next two weekends while National Highways resurfaces sections of the road.

The nine-mile section begins at Junction 13, the Chieveley Interchange in Berkshire, which connects the A34 with the M4.

It ends with the Chilton Junction near Didcot, which links the A34 with the A4185.

A spokesperson for National Highways said: “We need weekend closures due to the depth of resurfacing we have to do in some sections.”

The first weekend closure will begin at 9pm on Friday, June 27 and last until 6am on Monday, June 30 while the second will start and end at the same time, only from Friday, July 4 to Monday, July 7.

The suggested diversion route takes vehicles east along the M4 to Junction 8/9 at Maidenhead.

From there, drivers should exit and travel north on the A404 until the M40 Handy Cross roundabout, where they can take the first exit onto the M40 northbound.

Motorists should then continue on the M40 until Junction 9 when they can exit for the A34 and travel south to Oxford.

The total diversion travel distance is approximately 70 miles and will take drivers more than an hour. 

National Highways added: “We apologise for the long diversion. However, it’s the most suitable option for both car and HGV drivers.

“This is essential resurfacing work. We have chosen weekend work as the least disruptive option overall.”