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Traffic and Travel

Wokingham Borough Connect

View larger version of the diagram above

Timings confirmed for roundabout works

As part of the South Wokingham Distributor Road project, we're going to improve the junction of Finchampstead Road and Molly Millars Lane.

This will involve long-term closures and diversions at different exits of the junction, at different times, from this summer until spring 2026.

There’s also a chance of overnight and full weekend closures in May.

All timings are subject to change, but we expect works to run as follows:

• Early April to late July – some overnight and weekend closures only
• Late July to early September – Molly Millars Lane closed at eastern end
• Early September to about late 2025 – Finchampstead Road closed north of junction
• About early 2026 to March 2026 - Finchampstead Road closed south of junction
• About one week in March 2026 – some full closures for finishing works

For a more detailed look including diagrams, please see our latest South Wokingham community newsletter - and sign up for future updates.

You can take a more detailed look at the route of the finished road, which we’re hoping to complete in partnership with Balfour Beatty by early 2027.

To see all current and planned roadworks across the borough, including the official diversion routes, check out our live map.

Photo for illustrative purposes only - see link in article below for specific details of the Woodley proposal

Work set to start on cycle route at Woodley

We’ve agreed to progress plans to create a new cycle link from Woodley’s town centre into Reading Borough at Palmer Park.

This will be completed in phases, connecting the precinct to Palmer Park via Woodlands Avenue, Church Road, Palmerstone Road and Culver Lane.

We're planning for work to start at Palmer Park and progress towards Woodley. Have a look at the detailed plans and a summary of the route.

We’re still finalising parts of the plans with Reading Borough Council, as the route connects into its area, and will update once these details are confirmed.

We've consulted residents several times and removed less popular aspects of the original proposals, like making part of Woodlands Avenue one-way.

Changes for the final designs include:

• Widening the road on Woodlands Avenue, between Howth Drive and Crockhamwell Road, to 5.5m
• Keeping the Woodlands Avenue laybys next to the park and green space
• The shared use path on Woodlands Avenue, between the leisure centre and Church Road, will not change as residents told us it works well
• Shared use under the railway bridge to Palmer Park entrance on Culver Lane

This will be funded by the Department for Transport via Active Travel England.

Our Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan sets out where we'd like to make improvements, subject to funding and further consultation.

Above: a newly resurfaced stretch of road at The Street in Swallowfield

Keeping our roads safe and in good condition

We've successfully completed our annual road maintenance programme for 2024/25 and announced a new one for the coming financial year.

We're still finalising the dates for this and will add them as soon as we can.

Last financial year's programme included full resurfacing works at 18 locations, plus dozens of surface dressing and asphalt preservation works.

Every year, we invest millions of pounds in repairing our roads using whichever technique is most appropriate in each case:

• Full resurfacing is the most extensive option. This is where we strip off layers of a worn-out road surface and replace it with new material
• Surface dressing with layers of bitumen and stone chippings protects the existing carriageway by making it more waterproof and skid resistant. This can extend its life by up to 10 years
• Asphalt preservation, in which a sealant is sprayed onto cracks to prevent potholes from forming, can extend the life of the carriageway by up to five years

The last two are a safe, cost-effective alternative to full resurfacing, and are protected by a one-year warranty with our contractors.

Worried about a road near you?

You can report concerns about a road surface, but please be aware that not all defects pose an immediate risk and we have to use our limited resources wisely.

We'll always carry out any repairs that are needed to meet our statutory duties.

We're also making good progress on our footway resurfacing programme - find out more about what we've done and what's still to come.

Whizz on over and sign up for Bikeathon

Registration is now open for this year's Wokingham Bikeathon, which our My Journey Wokingham active travel team supports.

The event starts and finishes at Cantley Park on the morning of Sunday, 22 June, and it's free for anyone aged 17 and under who rides with a paying adult.

Participants can try one of four routes which are either 15, 26, 36 or 51 miles long. The shortest route is also flat, while the others involve some hill climbs.

Up for a challenge? You can tackle more than one of these courses if you think you can finish them in time!

There'll be local charity and community group stalls on the event field, including the My Journey team.

Founded in 2008, Wokingham Bikeathon is run by a volunteer committee. Any funds raised are spent on future Bikeathons or donated to supporting charities.

We've got loads of resources on cycling across the borough and you can learn about any upcoming active travel events that we're running.

Upcoming roadworks

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
• 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