Wokingham Borough Connect
 California Cross workers face unacceptable abuse
At the California Cross junction in Finchampstead, road workers faced both verbal and physical assaults as they began roadworks this week.
On Tuesday (13 February) a motorist threatened to stab a worker before speeding off while the crew were setting up traffic controls to close Nine Mile Ride. Later, a motorist threatened to punch another worker.
A physical assault took place on Wednesday morning (14 February) when a driver intentionally hit a road worker using their vehicle, before fleeing the scene. The car’s registration number has been submitted to police for investigation.
Road workers are there to do a job and to earn a living and shouldn’t be threatened while just doing their jobs.
The workers are equipped with body cameras to capture any incidents and supply to police for prosecution. We will use every power available to us to prosecute those responsible for such reprehensible behaviour and ask the local community for tolerance while the works are being done.
Works at California Cross, which started this week, are designed to bring a sense of community to the centre of Finchampstead village by improving the area for pedestrians, redesigning access to the car parking areas, and installing attractive new streetlights, plantings, bollards and totems.
To keep up to date with the works, sign up to the dedicated newsletter.
Update on road closures
Unfortunately SGN's works to fix the leaking gas main at The Ridges have not yet been completed, as further leaks are being discovered in the pipework. We’ve looked, but unfortunately there aren't any suitable diversion routes to the south through Hampshire.
If all goes well, the SGN works will finish on Monday or Tuesday next week.
We were unable to delay the start of the closure on Finchampstead Road any longer, so the road closed as of 7pm Wednesday 14 February. The closure is in place from the Ratepayers Hall to the California Cross junction.
The diversion route is shown as a blue dotted line on the map above. You can see more information about the diversion on one.network.
Please follow the diversion signs and not your sat nav as it may not have the correct diversion information.
 Town centre closed this Sunday
Part of Wokingham town centre will be closed this weekend on Sunday (18 February) for Lunar New Year celebrations.
Wokingham Town Council is organising a special event to celebrate the Lunar New Year, with chinese music, performances, arts and crafts, delicious Asian street food and the traditional lion dance.
Denmark Street will be closed from 6am to 5pm to allow the event to take place.
 Have you had your say in our transport plan consultation?
Everyone who travels around Wokingham Borough is invited to share their views on a vision for a healthier, safer and more environmentally friendly transport network.
We are consulting on our revised Local Transport Plan, a “big picture” strategy that sets out how all kinds of provision will be offered in future, and where we should seek funding for improvements.
The plan sets out to reduce congestion on the roads for trips where driving is needed, while reducing serious road collisions and making travel safer for everyone.
It aims to increase access to parks, leisure centres, public services and workplaces while reducing harmful air pollution and noise. This supports our aim of improving people’s physical and mental health.
Everyone can read the plan and respond until 8 March.
Feedback from this consultation will be considered while making final changes and the plan could be adopted in late summer 2024.
 Why closed roads are sometimes unattended
There are a number of reasons work might not be taking place despite areas of the road being closed. Here are just a few:
- Materials are drying
- Pressure testing
- Specially made parts being sourced
- Road not safe to open yet
- Work taking place elsewhere on larger sites
- Working on private property for new connections
- Have a break, which they are legally entitled to
- Get materials
This list is covers some of the main reasons but there may be others, especially that the gang may simply be having a break that they are legally entitled to take. They work in difficult conditions and this is important from a safeguarding perspective.
Do not move traffic management such as signs, cones and fences and drive through restricted areas. You are putting the safety of yourself and others at risk.
 Upcoming roadworks
Earley
Multi-way lights – Pitts Lane, Earley
These lights will be in place at the junction of Hitch Hill Close on 22 to 28 February, 9.30am to 4pm, to allow Cityfibre to install fibre optic cable.
https://one.network/?GB137343238
2-way lights – Wilderness Road, Earley
These lights will be in place between Bletchworth Avenue and Whiteknights Road on 21 to 23 February to allow Thames Water to repair a water leak in the carriageway.
https://one.network/?GB137541406
2-way lights – Culver Lane, Earley
These lights will be in place at the junction of Palmer Park Avenue on 24 February, 9.30am to 3.30pm, to connect an information pillar.
https://one.network/?GB137531719
Farley Hill
Road Closure – Jouldings Lane, Farley Hill
This closure will be in place near the junction with Church Lane from 19 to 23 February to enable Gigaclear to clear blockages in the carriage and verge in safety.
https://one.network/?GB137357427
Hurst
Multi-way lights – Davis Street, Hurst
These lights will be in place at the junction of Dunt Lane and Sandford Lane on 19 to 23 February to allow SGN to lay a new service.
https://one.network/?GB137409027
Remenhan
Road Closure – Remenham Lane, Remenham
This closure will be in place near St Nicholas Church from 19 to 23 February to allow Gigaclear to clear blockages from the carriageway and verge in safety.
https://one.network/?GB136945979
Shinfield
Multi-way lights – Hyde End Road, Shinfield
These lights will be in place at the junction with Millworth Lane to opposite Bailey Mews from 19 February to 4 April, 8am to 6pm, to allow Gigaclear to install new chambers and track.
https://one.network/?GB137439782
Multi-way lights – Hyde End Road, Shinfield
These lights will be in place between Winston Close and Elizabeth Close from 19 February to 4 April, 8am to 6pm, to allow Gigaclear to install new chambers and track.
https://one.network/?GB137439843
Woodley
Multi-way lights – Mowhawk Way, Woodley
These lights will be in place between the junction of Catalina Close and Sandford Lane from 22 to 25 February, 8pm to 4am, to allow Hutchison to carry out telecoms maintenance.
https://one.network/?GB137409553
Keeping up to date
- For planned and emergency roadworks, follow our Twitter and Facebook pages
- To find out about roadworks near you, visit One.network
- For active and sustainable travel, including events, training and resources, visit MyJourney Wokingham
- Visit our major new roads page for plans and updates
- For information on re-surfacing and reactive carriageway repairs visit our pothole and road repairs page
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You can report any issues with roads and streets online, including street lights, problems with traffic lights, potholes, damaged street furniture, problems with road markings and removal of dead animals.
- On our parking and permits page, you can find information including car parks and costs around the borough, resident parking permits, park and ride services and appealing a parking fine.
- Our transport and travel page includes information on applying for a senior citizen or disabled person's bus and train pass and local public transport information.
- The blue parking badges page has information on applying for, using, replacing and returning your blue badge.
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