 Doing what we can to minimise disruption
We know there have been disruptions to your journeys recently and we want to assure you that we are doing everything we can to keep the roads moving as freely as possible.
In addition to the ongoing works at the junction of Molly Millars Lane and Finchampstead Road, where we are building a bigger roundabout, there have been some unforeseen emergency repairs.
We have explained this in more detail below, as well as how we are mitigating the impact of planned works.
We encourage everyone to plan journeys ahead, travel outside of peak hours, or use alternatives such as walking, cycling and public transport, but we know this is not always possible.
We are working with utility providers to reduce overlap, improve signage and reschedule non-critical works where possible.
Part of minimising the impact of planned works is to increase awareness. Consider signing up to our Moving Around the Borough newsletter for all the latest traffic and travel news.
 Improvements and emergency repairs
Co-ordination of road projects is essential to reduce the inconvenience caused, but it is hard to avoid problems if urgent repairs to water, gas, electricity or other essential services are suddenly needed.
To divert pipes for the South Wokingham Distributor Road, South East Water have temporary lights at the junction of Waterloo Road and William Heelas Way until Friday 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, which led to overlapping diversion routes.
SGN are carrying out emergency works on Finchampstead Road, with multi-way lights near Tangley Drive. This is to investigate an issue with pressure and they expect to be in the area until Tuesday 23 September.
On top of these works, we've had to deal with three emergency closures by Thames Water due to collapsed sewers.
 Pressures removed to stop further problems
We have made sure the situation doesn’t get worse by postponing other closures and temporary lights that were due to start in the area and we are working with utility providers to improve signage.
You can read a more detailed explanation in our latest Moving Around the Borough newsletter, subscribe for future traffic updates including on the sewer repair, or check our live roadworks map.
Thames Water recently visited Barkham Ride to address a leaking valve. Due to current traffic issues, we asked them to clear the site and reopen the road and arrange to carry out the work at a more suitable time.
We have been able to arrange for Virgin Media to postpone the works planned on Nine Mile Ride in Finchampstead, as these would have clashed with the Evendons Lane diversion.
We have also postponed SGN’s planned closure of Lower Wokingham Road in Crowthorne for gas pipe upgrades.
This is to avoid additional pressures on Nine Mile Ride, part of the diversion route for the roundabout improvements on Finchampstead Road.
We have launched a short survey to better understand your travel habits if you live in South Wokingham and there is a chance to win one of three £100 Love2shop vouchers for taking part. To find out more, visit our Engage Wokingham Borough website.
 Above: A diagram showing where the closure point is for the current phase (click to enlarge)
Phase change for roundabout works
Remember that we have now moved to a new phase of the roundabout project in Wokingham town.
From Monday 8 September, the closure point switched to the northern entrance to the junction of Finchampstead Road with Molly Millars Lane (see above), with diversions in place for traffic.
Traffic can now flow between Molly Millars Lane and the southern approach to the junction and pedestrian access will be maintained.
We expect this phase of the project will run until the beginning of next year, but we will let you know if that changes via this newsletter.
The changes at this junction will significantly improve traffic flows, which is important to accommodate new housing and other infrastructure. There will also be new footways, cycleways and crossings to make the area safer for pedestrians.
You can find out more about the diversion route on our website.
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