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Moving Around the Borough

Junction improvements in line for national awards

Our transformation of California Crossroads in Finchampstead has been praised by industry experts for improving its surroundings and making the area safer.

The scheme was recently named Best Community Project in this year's Landor LINKS Active Travel Directory and Yearbook.

It is also shortlisted for two annual Highways Awards (Active Travel Scheme of the Year, and Line Marking and Street Design) and in the Placemaking Project category of this year's British Construction & Infrastructure (BCI) Awards.

The junction was resurfaced with clearly marked and raised "table" crossings on all four approaches, plus a colourful leaf pattern on the carriageway.

This highly visible design, reflecting the area's woodland surroundings, encourages drivers to slow down as they approach. 

Adjoining public spaces were improved to give pedestrians and cyclists equal priority with motorists, while drainage was improved to address long-standing issues.

Involving local people at every stage

This project was identified as part of the infrastructure package alongside new housing at the former Arborfield Garrison, and the developers were required to fund it.

The local community had extensive input on the initial vision and were consulted several times to help shape the final design.

It was shaped by the Department for Transport's guidelines, which say a design that "does not rely on conventional standards can achieve high levels of safety".

Works at the junction of Nine Mile Ride and Finchampstead Road ran from February to September 2024, with residents and businesses regularly updated.

They included improvements to the wider area including improved pedestrian access at Avery Corner, the shops and approach to Nine Mile Ride Primary School.

A study has since shown that pedestrians can cross the road in less time and drivers give way more often, especially on the central crossing.

The transformation of California Crossroads was designed by WSP and built by BQS. Funding for some elements came from Finchampstead Parish Council, who kindly allowed some of their land to be used as a site compound.

New crossings to be installed this summer

We're going to start installing a new zebra crossing on Wiltshire Road in Wokingham next week.

The road will be closed between Crutchley Road and Bishops Drive from Monday (11 August) until 28 August.

This follows our work to install a crossing on Warren House Road, which is due to be completed tomorrow (8 August).

These works have been scheduled during the school holidays so disruption will happen while roads are quieter. 

New crossing and reduced speed limit in Winnersh

A new zebra crossing is also being installed on Bearwood Road in Winnersh this summer. 

This work is taking place during the closure for the current SGN upgrade work, which is happening until the end of the month. By sharing the site, we can reduce disruption as we don't have to close the road twice.

We'll also be reducing the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph between Harvest Drive and Alder Mews. The rest of Bearwood Road will keep a 40mph speed limit.

The reduction will help make the area safer for pedestrians and ensure the crossing works safely in line with national guidance.

You can find out more on the reduced speed limit on our Traffic Regulation Orders webpage.

Don't forget - young people aged five to 18 get discounted fares on all local bus journeys that start in Wokingham Borough throughout August. It's part of our plan to improve bus services and funded by the Department for Transport.

Roundabout work on course for autumn changeover

Our ongoing improvements to the junction of Finchampstead Road and Molly Millars Lane in Wokingham are making good progress.

The next phase is due to start on 15 September, and will see Finchampstead Road closed from north of the junction to the nearby railway bridge (see diagram).

Pedestrian access will be maintained, while Molly Millars Lane will reopen at the eastern end for access to the town via Barkham Road.

Our partners at Balfour Beatty are building a new roundabout to increase traffic capacity as part of the South Wokingham Distributor Road project.

This element of the scheme, known as Western Gateway, also includes wider, safer paths and crossings for cyclists and pedestrians (see finished proposal).

Making diversions work for everyone

Traffic around the works and on official diversion routes is working well, but we know there have been some impacts on side roads.

We're looking at ways to address this and will announce any measures in our South Wokingham newsletter, so please subscribe for the latest updates.

Balfour Beatty are regularly checking diversion and information signs, but it's clear that some are being moved from where they were originally placed.

This makes things difficult and potentially dangerous for everyone. It's also against the law, and we will take action against anyone seen moving signs.

Have a safe TRIP if you're going the distance!

Are you planning a long drive the summer? National Highways, who look after our motorways and other major routes, are urging you to:

• Top-up: make sure you have enough fuel, oil and screen wash, and keep them replenished to avoid getting into trouble on your journey
• Rest: take a 15-minute break every two hours to prevent fatigue and stay alert. If you lose concentration, you're more at risk of making a bad decision
• Inspect: make sure your tyres are roadworthy, with enough air and a legal tread depth that isn't excessively worn
• Prepare: look at the weather forecast and be ready for changing conditions - not every summer day is a sunny one!

As well as checking your vehicle and the forecast in advance, it's a good idea to plan your rests using National Highways' list of suitable stops.

However long you've been driving, the Government is reminding everyone of the risks of drinking and driving over the holiday - from losing your licence or job to a prison sentence or the very real chance of killing someone.

Get a head start on summer walking and cycling

If you want to get more active but aren't sure where to start, there are loads of handy and free resources on My Journey Wokingham's website.

• First steps: advice on walking safety or walking apps to motivate you, as well as buying and maintaining a bike
• Maps: print out maps of the borough's most popular walking and cycling routes, or browse interactive maps of all walking and cycling routes
• Access for all: advice on travelling more actively and sustainably for residents who have a disability
• Meeting people: more about walking groups and cycling groups in your area, including rides and walks with a casual pace

As well as being a great way to unwind, walking and cycling are a practical, affordable and environmentally friendly way to make local journeys.

We're committed to improving routes across the borough through our long-term Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.

Taking it further and building your fitness

If you're interested in walking for health, the Ramblers offer a series of walks throughout the week at locations across the borough.

They include residential areas, countryside footpaths and our own sites like Dinton Pastures and California Country Parks, and Cantley Park in Wokingham.

You can get active travel advice in person at Twyford Village Fete on Saturday 16 August (1pm to 5pm), where our My Journey Wokingham team will also be hosting games and offering rides on their smoothie-making bike.

Upcoming roadworks - major gas work in Woodley

SGN is starting gas main replacement work on Colemans Moor Road, Woodley, from Monday (11 August).

The road will be closed between Vauxhall Drive and Miles Way until 28 November.  For more details including the diversion route map, see our interactive map.

Here are some more works which may be of interest next week:

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
• 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