 Above: A map showing the different aspects to the Central Section of the new road (click to enlarge)
Looking ahead to Easthampstead Road next year
A key part of the Central Section of the South Wokingham Distributor Road is our work on Easthampstead Road.
We had previously communicated that we expected those works to start later this year, but they will now begin once we have finished upgrading the roundabout at the junction of Molly Millars Lane and Finchampstead Road.
We now expect our main work on this part of Easthampstead Road to begin around April next year, but we will let you know nearer the time of a more exact date.
When work starts, the road will be closed between Star Lane and Heathlands Road, with a diversion in place, but access will remain open for pedestrians and cyclists.
In addition to timing the works when Finchampstead Road is open, a new link road will also be open, offering access between Heathlands Road and Waterloo Road.
Although the main closure will begin in April, there will be temporary traffic lights on Easthamstead Road at times, as well as where Heathlands Road meets the new link road, while work is carried out.
We will provide more details once they are confirmed via this newsletter, along with diagrams of the different phases of the project.
 Long-term changes to the road layout
Part of Easthampstead Road will be permanently closed off, forming a cul-de-sac for the new housing that is coming to the area.
The cul-de-sac will be just before the business estate (Woods Farm) and there will be no vehicle access in either direction, but it will still be accessible for pedestrians and cyclists.
There will be a new three-way signalised junction to provide access to and from the northern half of Easthampstead Road. Only buses will be permitted to turn left onto Easthampstead Road from the eastbound Central Section.
All through traffic on Easthampstead Road will use a new link road, which rejoins further to the south near Heathlands Road. You can see how the link road will fit into the new road layout by viewing our diagram.
This change was necessary to allow safe access for the new homes that will be built in South Wokingham. A four-way junction would need to be much bigger to operate safely and would then be too close to other junctions nearby.
We're still working to reduce congestion on the roads in and around Wokingham town by postponing any works that don't have to be done right now. Sign up to our Moving Around the Borough newsletter for the latest traffic and travel information.
 Upgrades being made near Tesco roundabout
At the same time that we are upgrading the roundabout at the junction of Molly Millars Lane and Finchampstead Road, we are making improvements near the Tesco roundabout.
This is where the Central Section of the South Wokingham Distributor Road will begin, joining up with roundabout on Waterloo Road in the east.
Our work near Tesco includes drainage improvements and replacing the main pipe on Finchampstead Road, which was in a poor condition.
We are widening footpaths and making upgrades to lighting to make it better for pedestrians, as well as installing the underground infrastructure for new traffic lights, which will follow later.
Significant work is also being done with utility companies in order to make it easier to carry out future work, such as repairs or upgrades.
All of these improvements have been done at the same time as the current phase of our roundabout project to minimise disruption and make the best use of a time when there is less traffic.
 Delays likely while utility works are done
Earlier this week, multi-way traffic lights were put in place off Finchampstead Road while a new crossing for utilities was installed on the Tesco access road.
The three-way lights are expected to remain for the rest of the year as we carry out upgrades, such as installing new ducting for electricity, water and telecommunications.
Tesco will remain open as usual, but there may be some delays to your journey and we apologise for any inconvenience while we carry out these necessary works.
 Deliveries for new bridge over Emm Brook
Part of the South Wokingham Distributor Road will cross the Emm Brook via a new road bridge, with a separate footbridge alongside it.
Later this month, deliveries of the bridge beams are being made and this could delay your journey.
The beams are being transported on Tuesday 21 and 28 October, between 7am and 11am. The planned route is Waterloo Road, the new link road, Heathlands Road junction and Easthampstead Road, before arriving at the Balfour Beatty compound.
During these times, temporary traffic delays will be in place and be managed in phases, progressing from one section to the next as the delivery vehicle moves forward.
There will be a temporary road closure between the Heathlands Road junction and the Balfour Beatty compound entrance to allow the trailer to safely turn around, but this will be as short as possible.
To minimise disruption, traffic will be managed in one direction at a time. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and you can ask Balfour Beatty if you have any questions in advance of these works.
 Latest progress on roundabout improvement
As we've mentioned, we are upgrading the existing mini roundabout at the junction of Molly Millars Lane and Finchampstead Road in Wokingham.
The new roundabout will significantly improve traffic flows and is an important part of the South Wokingham Distributor Road project.
We are currently working on the northern approach to the roundabout on Finchampstead Road, with traffic still able to flow between the southern entrance and Molly Millars Lane.
This phase is due to run until January next year and we will let you know closer to the time when we intend to move to the next phase, when the closure point will switch to the southern arm of the roundabout.
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