THE final phase of maintenance work being carried out in Akers Way is soon to begin, with the entire project expected to be completed by the end of September.

The current phase of the work should be partially completed by Thursday, August 24 to give Nova Hreod Academy pupils access to the school in order to collect their GSCE results.

Vehicles will be allowed access from the east along Akers Way, travelling from Darby Close to Nova Hreod Academy.

The contractor will then begin the final phase between Nova Hreod Academy and Cheney Manor Industrial Estate Road on Monday, September 4.

Residents living in Beaney View and Slade Street will have no access to Akers Way during this phase, but the bollards will be lifted between Slade Street and Bates Way to allow access from Moredon Road.

Councillor Mary Martin, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Place, said: “The improvements to Akers Way are really beginning to take shape and I am pleased we will shortly be entering the final phase of the work. Our contractor has made good progress over the summer months and it is good news that the Nova Hreod junction will be open for the exam results as planned.”

Motorists are encouraged to allow extra time for their journeys as there may be some congestion around these areas throughout the work, particularly when the new school term starts in two weeks’ time.

The improvements being made to Akers Way, which have been split up into five phases, are designed to address problems with the deteriorating concrete base of the road.

The council have described the work as “a complex but cost-effective solution”.

But there have been more than a few complaints about delays caused by the works, with bus services reporting delays of 20 minutes for certain services.

Coun Mary Martin has warned people that further delays are to be expected.

She said: “The quieter summer period has improved traffic flow on the official diversion route but, with the new school term fast approaching, there is likely to be more congestion in the area and I would encourage motorists to bear this in mind as we enter the last few weeks of the road improvement scheme.”