 Above: A map showing the different aspects to the Central Section of the new road (click to enlarge)
Easthampstead Road closures moved back
Our work on Easthampstead Road, which forms part of the South Wokingham Distributor Road project, will not start until April next year.
This will only begin once we have finished upgrading the roundabout at the junction of Molly Millars Lane and Finchampstead Road.
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 Easthampstead Road at times, as well as where Heathlands Road meets the new link road, while work is carried out.
The road layout will be permanently transformed, with new signalised junctions and Easthampstead Road becoming a cul-de-sac.
Sign up for the South Wokingham community newsletter for the latest on the construction of the new distributor road.
 Proposed solar canopies at Mereoak Park and Ride
We have submitted a proposal for installing solar canopies at Mereoak Park and Ride, near Junction 11 of the M4.
If approved, the project would generate around 1.2 million kWh of renewable electricity each year.
No decision has been made. The project is subject to the planning process and will only go ahead if approval is granted and the business case remains viable.
Did you know the British Museum's Archaelogical Research Collection is now up and running in Shinfield? Our community newsletter has the latest on the £64million centre at Thames Valley Science Park.
 Community centre to welcome disabilities day centre
Our physical disabilities day service will be moving to the new Matthewsgreen community centre at North Wokingham this autumn.
The service is currently based at Westmead Day Centre, a short distance away off London Road, but the new centre in Queens Road is better suited to its needs.
It has ample activity space, a fully accessible kitchen with height-adjustable worktops and a Changing Places toilet with hoist facilities.
Westmead is in serious disrepair and would cost at least £250,000 to restore, which wouldn't be a sound investment.
We and Optalis, who run the service, have involved attendees in the process and taken their feedback on board before moving forward.
We'll run the Matthewsgreen site for now, with a view to eventually tendering for a long-term management partner.
 Safer pedestrian access to railway station
We've widened and improved the footway outside Twyford Station on Hurst Road, on the other side from the ticket office on Station Road.
As well as resurfacing it, we've filled in a bay that was serving as a bus stop, creating more space for pedestrians on what was a very narrow section.
This has made it much easier and safer for anyone with impaired mobility to reach the customer lifts on the passenger footbridge.
We've moved the bus stop onto the main road and extended double yellow lines to cover where it used to be, to stop people parking near the bend.
The station is well served by Thames Valley Buses' 128 bus, which runs between Wokingham and Reading and also via Hurst, Sonning and Woodley.
This scheme was funded by contributions from housing developers that was set aside for improving access to the station.
We're getting read to start work on a new walking and cycling link between Woodley town centre and the Reading borough boundary.
 Covid Memorial Woodland to open in 2026
We planted our Covid Memorial Woodland just north of California Country Park, with the help of many volunteers earlier this year.
We’re now planning to open the woodland in 2026, giving it the best possible start and ensuring it thrives for years to come.
This year’s hot, dry weather made it especially difficult for young trees to establish, despite extra watering and care.
During the winter, our teams and contractors will replant trees where needed, sow more wildflowers and continue preparing the site.
This extra time allows the woodland to grow into a healthy, resilient, and peaceful space for reflection and remembrance.
We’ll share further updates next year as the woodland continues to take shape.
 VIDEO: Community praises safer new crossroads
You may remember that our transformation of California Crossroads in Finchampstead has been shortlisted for three industry awards.
The project included a resurfacing with clearly marked and raised crossing points on all four approaches, plus a colourful leaf design on the carriageway.
We brought surrounding public spaces to the same level as the carriageway, giving priority to non-drivers and making shops and services more accessible.
As our latest video clearly highlights, the new layout encourages drivers to slow down and give way as they approach the junction.
A greater sense of local identity
At the scene, one mum with a young child told us: "The leaves add something unique and iconic that no other area has - and it's lovely that the pavements are wider.
"It's definitely more pedestrian friendly and you see people hanging around in the area, which didn't happen before."
Another residents said it raised the area's profile, adding: "It's a landmark now. Even people living hours away know about it.
"They say 'oh yes, it's the colourful one with all the leaves on it'. It's really different and the children love it."
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