 Junction reopening set back due to heavy rain
As part of the South Wokingham Distributor Road project, we can't reopen the northern end of Heathlands Road as intended tomorrow (Friday 13 February).
It's now delayed until Saturday 21 February because the unusually heavy and persistent rain has forced us to rethink how we're working.
The stone layer beneath the road, or sub-base, is soaked through and it would no longer be feasible to re-lay and surface the road above it.
Our partners at Balfour Beatty are pumping out water and looking at alternative solutions, with a view to now resurfacing on Friday 20 February.
We'll let you know if that changes, and you can subscribe to our South Wokingham community newsletter for detailed updates.
You can read about what's planned on Easthampstead Road over the coming months, with revised timescales due to this unforeseen delay.
 Image: wokinghamhalfmarathon.com
Ready, steady, go... via diversion for half marathon
It's the Wokingham Half Marathon next Sunday (22 February) and there'll be rolling road closures in Wokingham town centre and heading north towards Hurst.
Between 8am and 2pm, expect some disruption along the official route and check out the diversions on our interactive map for:
In practice, organisers will aim to keep all traffic moving before 9am, then reopen town centre roads from 10.45am and other roads from 1.15pm.
Reading Buses are providing a free shuttle service to the start line from the Coppid Beech park and ride site. You still have to pay for parking.
 Click or tap the link in the article below to see a zoomable version on a map
Village bridge shut after damage in crash
The humpback bridge over the river at Church Road in Swallowfield is currently shut following a collision involving a lorry yesterday (Wednesday 11 February).
This has caused serious damage to the railings and stonework, so we've shut it for safety reasons while we carry out an inspection.
It's too soon to say what the next steps will be, but we'll keep you posted.
Our improvements to the roundabout at the junction of Finchampstead Road and Molly Millars Lane, which are also part of the South Wokingham Distributor Road project, are still on course for completion in the middle of next month.
 Image: Argyll and Bute Council
Making the most of pavement parking powers
The Government is giving councils more legal power to restrict parking on the pavements, with more detailed guidance expected later this year.
We're going to have the same civil enforcement powers as the police to enforce unnecessary obstruction on footways - not roads, verges or cycle paths.
We know many of you welcome this and so do we in principle, having supported the idea during consultation, as it can make our streets safer and more accessible.
We can start planning ahead now for this change, but can't finalise anything until we know more about how these powers will work in practice.
We won't be able to routinely patrol every street, so we expect to focus on priority areas with some reactive enforcement based on what you and our team witness.
 Help us to help you keep your pavements clear
We can already act if vehicles are parked on pavements where there are existing restrictions on the road, or where vehicles are blocking a dropped kerb.
If you report parking problems to us, we'll log them to help guide our enforcement action once the new powers in place.
Pavement parking reduces visibility and blocks emergency vehicles, wheelchair users, people with prams and buggies, and people with disabilities like sight loss.
On Monday (16 February), Thames Water are closing part of Bearwood Road in Barkham until the autumn for essential pipe upgrades. You can learn more on their website or see a map showing the closure and official diversion.
 Looking into parking pressures at busy station
We're working with Great Western Railway (GWR) and others to address your concerns about pressure on parking at Twyford station.
Since 2013, there have been many investigations into how parking space and alternatives could be improved and it's clear this remains a problem.
Our Local Transport Plan commits us to sustainably improving access at the station so we're now looking at all available options to provide more parking.
We've had funding from GWR to carry out a survey of station users, and we'll soon be reviewing the results to produce a list of actions.
We'll work closely with the community, including the parish council, before taking the next steps and we hope to announce more in a few months.
Any ideas that come forward will depend on funding, which we intend to pursue, and agreement with both GWR and Network Rail.
We've already improved bus services to Twyford and the station, and improved the bus stop on Hurst Road, and we're also looking into funding for cycling options.
Earlier this week, the Environment Agency issued a flood warning for the Wargrave area due to high levels on the River Loddon. Take care when driving through riverside areas and don't risk driving through flood water.
 Buses should be safe for everyone - report it
Reading Buses and Thames Valley Police are working to address concerns about threatening behaviour on buses, especially towards women and girls.
Throughout February and March, police officers will be on buses more often and there'll be QR codes on screens to encouraging reporting of any incidents.
There'll be reminders that all unwanted sexual behaviour is an offence, even without physical contact, and that all reports will treated seriously.
The initiative ties in with the national It Does Matter campaign, which aims to stop non-contact crimes like stalking or harassment from being overlooked.
All reports will help to shape future initiatives, which will be supported by mandatory driver training on public safety and inappropriate sexual conduct.
You can report incidents to the police on 101 or report online, or call 999 in an emergency. On a train, you can text British Transport Police on 61016.
We'll be working with British Transport Police to hand out free emergency bike lights at Wokingham station from 3pm to 6pm next Thursday (19 Feb). You can also book a free bike check by a Dr Bike mechanic - spaces are limited.
 We're working hard to look after your roads
Expect some delays while travelling through the following areas as we work to repair and improve your roads across the borough.
This includes resurfacing, drainage clearance, repairing damage including potholes and improving pedestrian crossings.
You can see a list of all upcoming works in your area or browse our interactive map.
Arborfield
-
Church Lane (closed, resurfacing) - Thu 19 and Fri 20 Feb
Aston
-
Aston Lane (closed, resurfacing) - Tue 17 and Wed 18 Feb
Charvil
Crowthorne
Earley
-
Mill Lane (closure, drainage works) - Mon 16 to Fri 20 Feb
Farley Hill
-
Church Road (closed, resurfacing) - Mon 16 and Tue 17 Feb
Finchampstead
Hurst
Riseley
-
Bull Lane (closed, resurfacing) - Mon 16 and Tuesday 17 Feb
Ruscombe
Remenham Hill
Gigaclear are also closing part of Upper Culham Lane for a new customer connection between Thursday 19 and Monday 23 February.
Shinfield
-
Shinfield Road (temp lights, replace signpost and bollards) - Thu 19 Feb
Sonning
Twyford
Thames Water are also closing part of Wargrave Road in Twyford from Tuesday 17 to Friday 20 February for a new customer connection.
Winnersh
Wokingham
-
Pigott Road (closed, crossing improvements) - Mon 16 to Fri 20 Feb
Network Rail are also closing the level crossing on Barkham Road in Wokingham for maintenance between 2am and 7am on Sunday 22 February
Woodley
On weekday evenings from now to Friday 27 February, there are overnight (9pm to 6am) closures for resurfacing at various locations on the M4 at Junction 6 (Slough and Windsor). Check the National Highways website for details.
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
|
