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Moving Around the Borough

Above: an existing zebra crossing on Easthampstead Road in Wokingham, which we refurbished earlier this year

New crossings taking shape and ready to open

The installation of new zebra crossings across the borough is progressing well, with works either almost or fully completed.

We've almost finished building a new crossing on Wiltshire Road, between Crutchley Road and Bishop's Drive, in Wokingham town.

Following a brief reopening, the road will close for final works from tomorrow (29 August) until the early hours of Saturday, and will then permanently reopen.

We've installed another crossing on Bearwood Road in Winnersh, which was scheduled during SGN's closure for gas works to avoid overlapping closures.

The SGN closure ends on Tuesday (2 September) with the speed limit set to be reduced from 40mph to 30mph between Harvest Drive and Alder Mews only.

This is to ensure the crossing works as safely and effectively as possible, with the rest of Bearwood Road keeping its 40mph speed limit.

We've also installed a zebra crossing on Warren House Road in Wokingham, and we're planning another on Biggs Lane in Arborfield Green.

Where possible, we schedule works during the school holidays to minimise disruption.

These crossings were requested by members of the public who reported a road safety concern. We act on these wherever possible, but please bear in mind that we receive an extremely high volume - so requests can take over a year to process, and we can't act on them all.

Closure extended for sewer repair works

We've allowed Thames Water to extend their closure of Evendons Lane in Wokingham until Saturday, 30 September.

Following an urgent closure earlier this month, the company have discovered significant issues with a sewer that could affect the road above it.

They need more time to carry out repairs and reinstate a section of road across the width of the lane, and will be updating on-site signage accordingly.

Our highways teams are also looking into some reported concerns which would be our responsibility to fix.

Because of this extension, we've had to postpone two planned closures by SSEN which were due to take place between 8 September and 5 October.

These works on Blagrove Lane and Edneys Hill were part of the investigations for our Barkham solar farm. We'll confirm new dates as soon as we can.

Second sewer site under investigation

Plough Lane in Wokingham also remains closed until 15 September while Thames Water investigates a fault that could affect the road.

A diversion is in place via Binfield Road, Oak Avenue and London Road for the time being, and we'll keep you updated as investigations progress.

We know both of these closures are inconvenient but they are necessary to keep road users safe, which is our main priority.

Both of these concerns were picked up by our year-round programme of highways inspections. Along with reports from our residents, these help us identify areas that need attention - including any emergency interventions.

Brushing up on skills at Bike Bonanza

Almost 100 children enjoyed cycling-themed activities at My Journey Wokingham's Bike Bonanza, which took place last Thursday (21 August).

Attractions included a bike limbo challenge for more confident riders and a balance bike course for younger beginners.

The My Journey team ran a stall with a prize wheel and visitors could make a fruit smoothie using Pedalicious, a static bike connected to a food blender.

There were free bike checks by Dr Bike, who offered minor repairs where needed.

The event at Coronation Hall in Woodley was part of a Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme event.

Keep your bike safe and well-maintained

To help reduce the risk of theft, Thames Valley Police are offering free protective bike marking sessions on the following dates:

• Friday 5 September - Loddon Valley Leisure Centre, Earley (3pm to 4pm)
• Friday 5 September - Waitrose, Twyford (5pm to 7pm)
• Friday 14 November - outside Halfords, Winnersh (12pm to 2pm)
• Sunday 16 November - Woodford Park Leisure Centre, Woodley (10am to 12pm)

There's also some official advice on keeping your bike safe from theft.

Keep an eye out for our regular Dr Bike sessions, including the next one at Cantley Park in Wokingham on Saturday 6 September.

They're free, but you need to book a place in advance.

Our Balance Bike Club, Learn to Ride and Woky Wheels 4 All sessions will be starting up again next month - find out more on My Journey's events page.

Electric future for buses as operator invests

We've been given a sneak preview of the first ever zero-emission buses that'll be serving Wokingham Borough.

Reading Buses has invested in 24 new state-of-the-art electric vehicles, some of which will serve the claret 21 between Lower Earley and Reading later this year.

The buses are built by Alexander Dennis and will be served by new Zenobe charging infrastructure at the operator's depot.

We're pleased to see a bus operator go electric, in line with our efforts to help car drivers make the switch before new petrol and diesel vehicles are phased out.

Taking the bus has always been better for the environment than driving, and soon those benefits will be even greater.

Routes improving in Wokingham Borough

As part of our Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), an extra late night bus is being introduced on the orange 13 from Reading to Woodley on Fridays and Saturdays.

Buses will run hourly until 1.30am on this service.

Additionally, the purple 17 route from Tilehurst to the outskirts of Earley will be run more frequently at peak periods than last winter.

Both of these changes are coming into effect on Monday (1 September).

Improvements made through the BSIP are carried out in partnership with local operators and funded by the Department for Transport.

If you're interested in electric cars or bikes, don't forget we're hosting a free electric vehicle (EV) awareness event on Elms Field in Wokingham, from 10am to 2pm on Saturday 20 September. There's no need to book - just turn up!

Gas closure update and other roadworks 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