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Moving Around the Borough

Improvements to the roundabout on Finchampstead Road and Molly Millars Lane in Wokingham (click to enlarge)

Keeping you moving despite fresh challenges

We know many of you are frustrated with the recent high levels of disruption and congestion on our roads.

This is due to a mix of road and utility improvements, which were planned in advance, and unforeseen emergency repairs by Thames Water.

We time all works carefully, whether they're ours or someone else's, and coordinate them to cause as little inconvenience as possible.

However, it's hard to avoid problems if urgent repairs to water, gas, electricity or other essential services are suddenly needed.

When combined with planned works, there can be overlapping diversions or restrictions on the same road despite our efforts to avoid it.

We're working with utility providers to reduce overlap, improve signage and reschedule non-critical works where possible.

Improvements taking place at multiple sites

We know the closure of Finchampstead Road in Wokingham, between Molly Millars Lane and Tesco, has had a significant impact.

This is part of our South Wokingham Distributor Road project, which is essential to create access to hundreds of new homes and other amenities.

To divert pipes for the new road, South East Water also have temporary lights at the junction of Waterloo Road and William Heelas Way until 3 October .

At the same time, SGN have closed Mole Road near Sindlesham for the next few weeks as part of a region-wide gas main upgrade.

When we agreed this, it wasn't set to clash with any other works or diversions.

However, circumstances changed after the emergency closure of Evendons Lane (see below), which led to overlapping diversion routes.

Stock image by Thames Water

Unforeseen emergencies complicate the picture

We've had to deal with three emergency closures by Thames Water, all due to collapsed sewers.

At Evendons Lane in Wokingham, underground radar surveys have revealed deep voids beneath the road, making it unsafe for road users and contractors.

Excavation began to access the sewer, which is four metres deep, but the side walls collapsed due to rain. More specialised repairs are now planned.

Plough Lane, also in Wokingham, was closed due to a growing depression in the road. Thames Water confirmed a sewer collapse, though repairs are going well.

Thames Water also closed Wilderness Road in Earley on Monday, after confirming a third sewer collapse, but it's expected to reopen tomorrow morning (Friday).

We'll keep you updated on progress at the two Wokingham sites.

Postponing works where they're not essential

Earlier this week, Thames Water also attended Barkham Ride under an emergency closure to address a leaking valve.

Due to current traffic pressures, we asked them to clear the site and reopen the road so we could arrange for them to return at a more suitable time.

We've also postponed Virgin Media's planned telecommunication works on Nine Mile Ride in Finchampstead, which were due to start next week, as these would have clashed with the Evendons Lane diversion.

Forward planning is a big priority for us, and we'll always do our best to balance the need for all kinds of works with keeping everyone moving.

Don't forget - you can check all current and planned disruption in your area using our interactive map or the list on our website.

The closure of Finchampstead Road is to build a bigger roundabout on the Molly Millars Lane junction, increasing traffic capacity for new housing and other infrastructure. You can sign up to our South Wokingham newsletter for more on the new road and other planned developments in this area.

More about next week's electric vehicle showcase

There's just one week to go until our free electric vehicle showcase on Elms Field in Wokingham town centre.

From 10am to 2pm on Saturday 20 September, you can simply turn up to see vehicles on display and arrange test drives on a later date.

Taking part are Let's Lease, Waylands Volvo, Snows BYD, Wilmoths Citroen, Snows Leapmotor, WLMG MG, XPENG, Waylands KIA and Group 1 Ford.

You can test ride electric bikes on the day from Velospeed, AW Cycles and De Novo Velo, and find out more about hiring our e-cargo bikes for business.

There'll be advice from industry specialists, a themed activity trail for families and a Dr Bike clinic offering maintenance for ordinary bicycles.

We're organising this in partnership with Let's Experience Electric, with Bracknell Forest Council and Wokingham Town Council's support.

If you're interested in positive, inspiring stories about the people who make up our communities, why not sign up for our new fortnightly Community Matters newsletter before it launches on Wednesday (17 September)?

Could your school run be more active?

With schools back after the holidays, now could be a good time to think about your and your children's travel habits.

Walking, scooting or cycling to school is healthier than being driven, and it can massively reduce air pollution if enough people change their habits.

If walking or cycling is a bit too far, it could still be a greener option to take the bus.

There are loads of resources on our My Journey Wokingham team's website, including maps, timetables and journey planners.

You can also check out their events page for courses to help children and adults become more confident cyclists.

In the long term, we're working to improve bus services and walking and cycling infrastructure through strategies shaped by your feedback.

Celebrating life on two wheels!

It's the Reading Cycle Festival this Sunday (14 September) and there's loads to do, including a group ride with Kidical Mass Reading and Wokingham.

WATCH Wokingham, a community group who campaign for better and safer walking and cycling provision, will also be there.

If you live on our major developments at Arborfield Green, Shinfield Parish, or North or South Wokingham, we want to hear about your travel habits to help us plan future development. Take our survey before 28 September and you can enter a draw for a £100 Love2Shop voucher!

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 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