THE opening of a busy road which has been closed for months to enable the construction of the landmark John Lewis at home and Waitrose store has been delayed because of rain. 

As reported in last week’s Gazette, the road, which goes past Basing View and links Norn Hill and Eastrop Roundabout, was due to reopen last weekend.

The pedestrian link from the train station car park onto Basing View was also set to reopen.

The road has been closed since the middle of November to allow the road to be moved across to provide space for the new 73,000 sq ft development.

The new store, which will include a cafe and more than 400 car parking spaces, is expected to open in October.

The road did not reopen at the weekend as planned and when The Gazette approached Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, it confirmed the opening has been delayed. 

However, the council said it could reopen before the bank holiday weekend.

The council’s Basing View project manager, Kate Dean, said: “The road opening date has had to be delayed due to the rain, which has prevented some necessary surfacing works from being completed.

“A completion date is still weather dependent, but contractors are doing their utmost to complete the works before the bank holiday weekend and would like to thank local residents, local businesses and road users for their on-going patience during the extended period.”