South West Region - Forthcoming Events

When: 18 October 2023 19:00 - 20:00
Where: Zoom Webinar
Speaker: Mr David Hunter. Retired, Ex Peter Brett Associates 

The speaker David Hunter, is a retired Chartered Civil Engineer, who worked on the design and construction of the A329(M) scheme with Berkshire County Council in the early 1970’s.



This particular length of motorway although short is of some historic interest as it is the remnant of a more ambitious longer scheme, resulting from transport studies in the early 1960’s. It was provisionally named as the M31. The only section of that road ever completed, and subject of this talk, was opened in phases  in  1972-4 and was designated A329(M). It stretches from the A4 in Reading at the former Suttons’ Seeds site through Junction 10 of the M4 to the A329 London Road at Amen Corner, Binfield.



The scheme was promoted by Berkshire County Council as a local authority scheme rather than the Government’s Department of Transport consequently the County Council and its successor have been the maintenance authorities.

The scheme was controversial from its inception. Minimising land take and house demolition led to innovative engineering solutions, but some remaining residences are left very close to the works.

The project has its place in national construction history as a temporary works collapse resulting in 3 deaths led to a major inquiry and subsequent change in construction regulations. 

The subsequent history of the road, with development and transport opportunities taken and those missed, or with future potential, will also be briefly described.

Booking for Members - FREE
Click 'Book now' online to book, if you have any difficulties email us at regions@ciltuk.org.uk quoting event code: TVG0435

Booking for Non-Members - £5.00 inc. VAT
Email regions@ciltuk.org.uk with a completed booking form

Note: If you are not a current Member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, please be aware our membership team may be in touch with you using your email address provided regards membership opportunities. If you do not wish to be contacted please email and let us know at regions@ciltuk.org.uk

Competencies:

• TP1.1 Transport Infrastructure and Network Resilience
• TP2.2 Transport and Spatial Planning
• TP2.3 Transport Planning