 Above: the planned closure from Monday 21 July until early September (click or tap to enlarge)
Junction closing within weeks for new road build
The first in a series of road closures to help us improve the junction of Molly Millars Lane and Finchampstead Road in Wokingham will start on Monday 21 July.
The Western Gateway scheme will see the existing mini roundabout upgraded to a larger roundabout as part of the South Wokingham Distributor Road project, which we’re completing in partnership with Balfour Beatty.
Molly Millars Lane will be closed at the junction with Finchampstead Road until early September, with diversions for traffic. Residents and businesses will have access at all times, and pedestrian access will remain with some footpath diversions.
Traffic will continue to flow in both directions on Finchampstead Road as normal. Once Molly Millars Lane reopens in the autumn, there'll be further closures on Finchampstead Road until March 2026.
Please see our most recent South Wokingham community newsletter for a full update and consider subscribing for all the latest news.
 Safer new speed limits coming into force
New 30mph speed limits on various roads in the borough, as reported in a previous newsletter, began taking effect from Monday (30 June).
These apply to parts of (see maps on our website for full details):
- A327 Arborfield Road, Arborfield
- Bearwood Road, Barkham
- A327 Reading Road, Finchampstead
- New Mill Road, Finchampstead
- Park Lane, Finchampstead
- Hollow Lane, Shinfield
- A329 Reading Road, Winnersh
- A329 Reading Road, Wokingham
- A329 London Road, Wokingham
It'll take a few weeks to remove old speed limit signs along these routes, and we’ve delayed some of this to coincide with other planned works and reduce disruption.
During this period, existing limits apply until old signs are removed. Only Thames Valley Police can enforce speed limits and they know about these changes.
Once existing 40mph signs are removed, we won't install repeating 30mph signs in areas with street lighting, as the Highway Code (Rule 124) is clear that a 30mph limit applies unless signs say otherwise.
However, we will install repeating 30mph signs in areas where the new limit applies but there isn't any street lighting.
We'll also put up temporary signs at various locations along these routes to remind people that a new speed limit applies.
Listening to feedback and helping everyone get around
We first considered these new speed limits following requests from residents and councillors, and received support when we put them out to consultation.
They aim to help ensure drivers observe the speed limits, improve road safety and encourage sustainable travel by making cycling safer and more accessible.
The changes won't happen overnight as many old signs need to be removed – for example, we removed 140 in Winnersh and Wokingham alone.
Thinking of switching to an electric vehicle for personal or business use? Don't forget you can attend an information event at Winnersh Triangle Business Park from 10am to 2pm on Friday 11 July.
 Crossing brings safer access to shops and more
We've installed a new puffin crossing on Headley Road in Woodley after residents shared their concerns about safety.
This replaces an uncontrolled crossing with a narrow refuge area outside the Oakwood Centre and the entrance to our pay and display car park.
We assess all road safety concerns using the same method and, in this instance, we decided there were strong reasons to act.
Our decision was based on things like how many people use the crossing and its closeness to facilities like shops, the library and Beechwood Primary School.
We recognised the existing crossing offered limited protection and was increasingly unsuitable for pedestrians with mobility needs, pushchairs or children.
There's still a zebra crossing about 250ft to the west, for anyone crossing nearer the junction with Reading Road and Beechwood Avenue.
What to do if you're worried about safety
You can report concerns about safety on a road to us, and we'll act where we agree there's a long-term safety issue that needs to be addressed.
However, we receive a very high number of requests - and not only do they take many months to assess, but we can't act on every one.
Before getting in touch, please check your concern hasn't already been reported - and remember that repair issues like potholes should be reported separately.
 Share your views as new cycle route approaches
If you live in the Woodley area, or travel frequently between Woodley and Reading, we want to hear more about how you get around.
We're asking about people's travel habits before we start work on a new cycle link from Woodley town centre to Palmer Park at the Reading borough boundary.
Please reply before midnight on Sunday 3 August for the chance to win one of five £20 vouchers. You must also be aged 16 or over.
The new link will run via Woodlands Avenue, Church Road, Palmerstone Road and Culver Lane, with work due to start later this year.
It's being funded by the Department for Transport and the money is "ring fenced" for this project, meaning we aren't allowed to spend it on anything else.
Saddling up for construction in the autumn
We consulted several times on this proposal and removed some less popular ideas, like making part of Woodlands Avenue one-way, based on feedback.
We're planning to start work at Palmer Park and progress east towards Woodley, subject to arrangements being finalised with Reading Borough Council.
The scheme is outlined in our Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), a long-term vision for improvements we'd like to make across the borough.
All proposals in our LCWIP would be subject to external funding and further consultation before going ahead.
Our Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan is one of several strategies to make sustainable travel more attractive, as part of our efforts to tackle the climate emergency and air pollution. We're supporting buses, in partnership with operators, through a Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).
 Upcoming roadworks
There'll be closures with diversions at the following locations as we work through our annual road and footway maintenance programme:
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Hyde End Lane, Ryeish Green
Monday 7 July to Tuesday 8 July, 9.30am to 3pm
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Clares Green Road, Spencers Wood
Wednesday 9 July to Monday 14 July, 8am to 7pm (weekdays only)
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Welford Road, Woodley
Thursday 10 July to Friday 11 July, 8am to 5pm
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The Straight Mile, nr Binfield
Monday 7 July, 9.30am to 4pm
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Basingstoke Road, Three Mile Cross
Tuesday 8 July, 9.30am to 4pm
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A4 Bath Road, Hare Hatch
Tuesday 8 July, 9.30am to 4pm
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A4 Bath Road, nr Sonning
Tuesday 8 July, 9.30am to 4pm
There'll also be multi-way lights at these locations for works by BT:
There'll also be temporary traffic management at:
To view all planned disruption in the borough, either now or in the coming weeks and months, visit our interactive roadworks map.
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 resurfacing 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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