Wokingham Borough Connect
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Your first detailed look at upcoming new road
We've published a detailed series of diagrams showing the exact route and main features of the upcoming South Wokingham Distributor Road.
As well as showing exactly where it'll be built in relation to existing local landmarks, it shows how traffic will flow along it and how it'll cater for other road users.
Our partners at Balfour Beatty are now carrying out enabling works to allow them to start the main construction in the spring.
This will involve some disruption to people's journeys from the summer, and we'll explain more about that in the coming weeks.
The road is being built to serve the 1,800 or so new houses that are going to be built at South Wokingham in line with our long-term plans for the borough.
You can get all the latest updates and a detailed look at the project by signing up to our South Wokingham community newsletter.
 Significant clearance has taken place off Easthampstead Road (pictured before work began) and elsewhere
Building the road responsibly
We know some people have expressed concerns about the tree and hedge clearance works taking place along the route of the new road.
We completely understand and reassure everyone that the project includes a large amount of replanting and natural landscaping.
In the long run, it's required to provide a "biodiversity net gain" with more habitats for wildlife than existed before it was built - including new nature parks.
We've also been working with ecologists from the outset, and an independent ecologist is still checking the site daily for nesting birds and roosting bats.
Both we and our partners are legally obliged to protect any nesting birds, and we take this responsibility extremely seriously.
We'll be looking in more detail at how we're managing the ecological and environmental impacts in a future South Wokingham newsletter.
 Stock image courtesy of Thames Water
Sewer works on hold to rethink approach
Thames Water has temporarily paused its sewer works and road closure on Waingels Road in Woodley after coming across unexpected problems.
While installing a new sewer pipe, it became clear that space was limited due to the amount of concrete and clashes with other utility pipes or cables.
Thames Water will reopen the road from Monday (3 March), then revise the design and carry out further investigations before deciding the next steps.
It is still committed to finishing the works safely and with minimal disruption, and will share a revised timetable as soon as possible.
Waingels Road closure NOT being extended
Some residents have received a letter from Thames Water stating that the closure is being extended until July.
We can confirm that this is not the case and the letter was sent in error by a third-party delivery firm. Residents should receive another letter confirming this.
If you have any questions, please contact Thames Water on 0800 316 9800.
There's a closure on the east side of the M4 junction 12, including the eastbound on-slip road, from 9pm on Friday (28 February) to 6am on Monday.
The slip road from the A329M Bracknell-bound onto the M4 westbound will also close from 9pm to 6am tonight (27 February) and tomorrow night while National Highways improves the M4 between junctions 10 and 11.
 Making electric vehicle charging accessible for all
We've agreed to adopt an Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Strategy to make it easier for everyone to make the switch.
It aims fill any gaps left by the private market, creating a fair charging network for all residents and businesses.
The strategy was produced following a detailed survey to help us understand people's needs, and will form part of our Local Transport Plan.
As well as helping to reduce vehicle emissions, which supports our air quality and climate emergency goals, it'll put us in a strong position for the upcoming national ban on sales of petrol and diesel vehicles.
Future installations will be funded mostly by grants from the Department for Transport, along with fully-funded models from chargepoint operators.
We'll prioritise residential areas with no off-street parking, as this makes it hard for people to install a home charger, and focus on land and car parks that we own.
 Win prizes for getting active this spring
It's time to start enjoying the fresh air more - and the latest competition from Love to Ride gives you another great reason to get out there.
Ride, Walk, Wheel Week is an exciting, week-long active travel challenge that takes place from Monday 24 March to Sunday 30 March.
Whether you cycle, walk, or wheel, you only have to swap one car journey for an active trip - though you're very welcome to do more!
Just log your journeys on the Love to Ride app, and you’ll be entered into a prize draw. The more trips you log, the more chances you have to win.
Remember: it's not about how many miles you do, but getting outside and encouraging others to join in the fun!
 Upcoming roadworks
Riseley
Road closure, Devils Highway (view on map)
3 to 12 March
CityFibre will be closing the road between Benham Lane and School Lane to install fibre optic ducting.
Spencers Wood
Multi-way lights, B3349 Basingstoke Road (view on map)
3 to 5 March
Gigaclear will be installing multi-way lights at the junction with Beech Hill Road while it clears blockages.
Twyford
2-way lights, B3018 Waltham Road (view on map)
3 March to 11 April
SGN will be installing 2-way lights between Winchcombe Road and Stanlake roundabout while it replaces a gas main.
2-way lights, A321 Waltham Road (view on map)
8 and 9 March, 10pm to 6am
Network Rail will be installing 2-way lights between Station Road and A321 Hurst Road to remove vegetation and repair brickwork on the railway bridge.
Wokingham
Road closure, B3349 Barkham Road (view on map)
9 March, 1am to 5.30am
Network Rail will be closing the road between the A321 Station Road and Havelock Street for rail maintenance works.
Woodley
2-way lights, Headley Road East (view on map)
3 to 7 March, 9.30am to 4pm
BT will be installing 2-way lights between Hurricane Way and Hartigan Place. This is to excavate the road to lay new ducting and install new chambers.
Keeping up to date
- For planned and emergency roadworks, follow us on Facebook
- To find out about roadworks near you, visit our interactive map
- For active and sustainable travel, visit MyJourney Wokingham
- Visit our major new roads page for plans and updates
- Find out more about re-surfacing and repairs including potholes
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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.
- Find out more about parking and permits including car park locations and costs, resident permits, park and ride services and appealing a parking fine
- Our transport and travel page includes applying for a senior citizen's or disabled person's bus and train pass, as well as public transport information
- The blue parking badges page has information on applying for, using, replacing and returning your blue badge
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