Getting to the Show

Work is going on to improve the A34 Chieveley M4 Junction 13. Over the weekend of the Royal County of Berkshire Show (20th and 21st September) exceptional arrangements are in place to ensure traffic flows smoothly to and from the Newbury Showground.

A spokesman from the Highways Agency confirmed, "There will be three narrow lanes of the M4 open in both directions with a speed restriction where construction for a bridge is taking place at Junction 13 (Chieveley). All three lanes of the A34 both north and southbound will be open. "

The A339 northbound will remain as a single lane on its approach to the A34. This local closure is necessary to ensure safety.

Visitors travelling by car from Newbury are advised to take the B4009 from the Robin Hood roundabout and follow the AA signs. They will be directed into a car park east of the Showground and will avoid Junction 13.

Visitors travelling by car from Reading are advised to take the A4 to Newbury and follow the B4009 from the Robin Hood roundabout.

Victoria Brown, Chief Executive of the Newbury & District Agricultural Society said, "The Society has worked with Costain, the road contractors, to ensure the workings do not impact on the effective travel arrangements adopted for previous Royal County of Berkshire Shows. We appreciate their co-operation and the assistance of Thames Valley Police in ensuring exhibitors and visitors can easily and safely get to the Show and enjoy a magnificent weekend."

Priors Court Road will be closed to traffic, other than vehicles entering the car parks, from 6am to 8pm both days. Temporary no waiting restrictions will also be in place on surrounding roads.

Newbury Buses (01635 567500) are running a regular bus service to the showground from Thatcham Broadway and Newbury Bus Station.

Public car parking is expanded by 25 acres this year. Cars will be able to park at £2 per vehicle in a new area just across the road from the showground. Turn right at the top of the A34 Chieveley slip road for access to this car park.

Those using the car park to the west of the A34 northbound will still access the same way, but, as a result of the workings taking place in that field, vehicles will be parked to the west of the usual area. A free shuttle bus service will operate from this car park to and from the showground.

The area previously known as the Red car park is now restricted to parking for livestock and trade exhibitors, together with an area for the disabled. The revised arrangements in this car park are required to accommodate DEFRA's regulations on housing the livestock and their handlers in one area and the need to safely and comfortably accommodate the Show's growing number of visitors.

For further press information please contact:
Annette Priestley
Comand (UK)
Tel: 01635 248258
e-mail: priestley@comanduk.co.uk