View in browser

Moving Around the Borough

Sewer fault will take months to put right

Following detailed surveys, Thames Water say the sewer repairs on Evendons Lane in Wokingham will require a closure until at least Christmas.

The sewer itself has not collapsed, unlike in 2022 when a sinkhole developed, but there are deep underground gaps which pose a risk.

Thames Water are finalising a plan to manage sand and water levels, as previous repair efforts were hampered by the ground collapsing.

Works will likely involve overpumping, where sewage is temporarily diverted using hoses to keep it flowing. The company will soon start the next stage of investigations.

In 2022 we had a temporary one-way system on surrounding lanes, but some people didn't support this so we're looking at the safety of managing two-way traffic instead.

We'll keep working with Thames Water to solve this as soon as we can - and we'll continue postponing non-essential works to minimise further congestion.

Work is also progressing on another Thames Water sewer repair in Plough Lane, off London Road, which is expected to finish on Tuesday 21 October.

Above: Finchampstead Road is closed at the railway bridge north of Molly Millars Lane for new roundabout works

Progress updates on other major roadworks

As we continue building the South Wokingham Distributor Road, we're no longer planning to close part of Easthampstead Road this year.

Instead, this will happen once supporting works on the new roundabout at the junction of Finchampstead Road and Molly Millars Lane are finished.

This should start around April 2026, subject to confirmation, with a closure between Star Lane and Heathlands Road for several months.

There'll still be pedestrian and cycle access, and there should also be vehicle access between Heathlands Road and Waterloo Road via a new link road.

Please sign up for our South Wokingham newsletter for detailed, regular updates.

As part of the same project, temporary traffic lights at the Tesco roundabout on Finchampstead Road are set to stay for the rest of the year.

They're currently listed until the end of this week, but will need to be in place for longer so the necessary permits are being updated.

End dates set back by selfish driving and abuse

We know there's been more congestion on our roads lately, but inconsiderate and aggressive driving around works sites can cause further delays.

SGN are currently replacing a gas main on Mole Road near Sindlesham, and there was a chance of finishing before the due date on Friday, 24 October.

This is now unlikely because drivers are asking to be let through for access, only to use the road as a shortcut as they don't actually live nearby.

In some cases, they've tried to force their way past crews when challenged. As well as risking lives, this extends the works and creates problems for everyone.

It's an exceptionally busy and frustrating time - but please think of the thousands of people who use our roads each day, and not just yourself.

Half of all public-facing road workers are abused on a weekly basis, according to the national Stamp It Out campaign, and this has included ours.

Last weekend, South East Water closed Woosehill Lane to fix a leak. Given the pressures on the network, our out-of-hours team from Volker Highways visited and reopened one lane, prioritising access from Barkham Road.

Click or tap to view a larger diagram showing the measures coming later this month

Anti 'rat run' measures coming after petition

Later this month, in response to people's concerns, we'll be installing a scheme to stop motorists using a quiet residential street as a shortcut.

The new bollards on Church Lane in Arborfield will allow access from Reading Road or Sindlesham Road, at either end, but prevent use as a through road.

This will ensure passing traffic stays on the main roads, which is safer for everyone.

Cyclists will still be able to get through, and the emergency services will be able to remove the bollards using a special key.

Works will be carried out between Monday 27 October and Friday 31 October to coincide with the half-term holidays and minimise disruption.

Listening to you and balancing demands

The latest scheme on Church Lane is being drawn up and built in response to a petition submitted in 2023.

If you're worried about road safety in your area, you can report it to us and we will assess whether anything can be done. 

Because of the volume we receive, it can take more than a year to decide and longer still to implement any measures.

If you're thinking of getting in touch, check our live list first to see if your concern's been raised and whether we've made a decision.

We've previously carried out improvements in Arborfield village, working closely with Arborfield and Newland Parish Council, as part of our Observer Way relief road project. This includes speed limit reductions, planting and the closure of School Road to through traffic in summer 2022.

Above: click or tap to hear parking wardens sharing their stories of abuse in the line of duty

Look beyond the uniform at parking wardens

It's frustrating to get a parking ticket, but there's no excuse for abusing or threatening our wardens.

This isn't a big problem in our borough, but it does happen - and that's why we support the national Beyond the Uniform campaign.

Parking wardens, officially known as civil enforcement officers, are vital in keeping traffic moving and ensuring safe, legal and accessible parking.

They also play a wider role in giving directions, helping in emergencies, keeping routes clear for ambulances and reporting crime and anti-social behaviour.

But abuse is rising nationally, with cases almost doubling in some areas over recent years including attacks, as this shocking video from Coventry shows.

We're urging everyone to remember that, like all our staff, our wardens are people and have a right to do their jobs in peace.

We take our duties as an employer seriously and will take action against anyone who uses violence, threats or abusive language.

Praise for helping couple get home safely

One of our parking wardens was recently thanked for helping an elderly motorist who had become stranded in a car park.

The 84-year-old Woodley resident, who had parked at Cockpit Path in Wokingham with his wife, realised he had a flat tyre but was unable to change it by himself.

Our warden Connor stepped in to help finish the job, and the couple have since been in touch with us to offer their thanks.

If you think you've been given a Penalty Charge Notice unfairly or incorrectly, you can appeal using our online form. This is quicker than contacting our customer services team and we'll consider each case on its own merits.

How do you usually get to work?

We want to make it easier for our residents to get to work, so we'd like to hear more about your daily commute.

If you live in Wokingham Borough, please take our survey before Tuesday 21 October and you could win one of three £100 Love2shop gift vouchers.

As well as knowing how you usually travel, and the route you take, we'd like to hear what might make it easier for you to commute more sustainably.

Your feedback will help us identify where we could improve all aspects of our transport network like roads, footpaths, cycle lanes or bus routes.

If you're already thinking of walking, cycling or taking public transport, you can find loads of free resources on our My Journey Wokingham team's website.

We're urging pupils and staff to consider trying a healthier school run throughout this month for Walktober - and next week (Monday 13 October onwards) is Bikeability's Cycle to School Week, with prizes on offer!

Upcoming roadworks

We think these works will be the most disruptive, but you can see a list of all upcoming works in your area or browse our interactive map.

Earley

Multi-way lights - Elm Road
Monday 13 to Wednesday 15 October

There'll be multi-way lights at the junction with Langdale Gardens while Cityfibre reinstate the carriageway. More on our interactive map

Sonning

Two-way lights - Thames Street
Monday 13 to Friday 17 October, 9.30am to 4pm

There'll be lights between Charvil Lane and High Street while we carry out drainage works. More on our interactive map

Three Mile Cross

Two way lights - Basingstoke Road
Monday 13 to Wednesday 15 October

There'll be two-way traffic lights just south of Star Rise while Openreach carry out fibre-optic cable works. More on our interactive map

Twyford

Wargrave

Multi-way lights - High Street
Wednesday 15 to Thursday 23 October, 7pm to 6am overnight

There'll be lights between Station Road and Wargrave Hill while Cityfibre carry out fibre optic works. More on our interactive map

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 My Journey 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