 New link road to see first journeys this Friday
We remain on track to open the new link road on Friday (29 May).
This runs from the junction with Easthampstead Road up to what will be the South Wokingham Distributor Road. Turning right will take you to the Waterloo Road roundabout, while to the left will be our site access while construction continues.
The first journeys are expected from about 6pm. The link road will be 30mph and there will be shared pedestrian and cycle facilities.
As part of the permanent arrangement, each end of the link road will be a junction with traffic lights.
Although we are still constructing the Central Section of the distributor road, there needs to be lights at the northern end of the link road. This is to maintain site access.
Where Easthampstead Road meets Heathlands Road and the link road, the current uncontrolled T-junction is being changed to a four-arm signalised junction.
The opening is subject to final testing and reliant on good weather to allow us to complete surfacing and lining of the road. We'll let you know as soon as we can if anything changes.
 Above: Current progress on the link road
Getting around while distributor road works continue
When the new link road is open, this will provide an alternative route while Easthampstead Road remains closed.
The new diversion route will be:
-
Northbound: Link road, William Heelas Way, London Road (A329) and Peach Street (A329)
-
Southbound: Peach Street (A329), Broad Street (A329), Rectory Road (A329), Wiltshire Road (A329), London Road (A329), William Heelas Way, link road
Work continues on the new junction for the Central Section of the distributor road.
The closure is between Star Lane and just north of Heathlands Road, including the level crossing, and this applies to pedestrians and cyclists too.
It's not safe to allow anyone to pass through due to the nature of the works being done.
This is while our partners at Balfour Beatty build a new junction, where the new road crosses Easthampstead Road to the south of the railway line.
However, there will be a permanent change to the road layout, with part of Easthampstead Road becoming a cul-de-sac and all through traffic using the new link road.
When the work is finished, pedestrians and cyclists will be able to get through the cul-de-sac.
 Above: Montague Park, where about 600 homes have already been built
Explaining the need for the link road
The link road is designed to serve as a key access route to the new homes coming to South Wokingham.
About 600 homes have already been built at Montague Park, to the south of London Road.
The remaining 1,800 or so homes will be to the south of the railway line, on land between Waterloo Road and Finchampstead Road.
We're legally required to build a certain number of homes due to Government targets and we've worked strategically over many years to carefully deliver these homes, funding the work with a grant from Homes England.
The link road provides direct access to these homes, minimising the impact of increased traffic on nearby residential roads.
Our work also includes safe, accessible cycling and walking provision, helping to reduce the need for car travel, while offering an alternative route for through traffic that avoids Wokingham town centre.
 Congestion eased at Tesco roundabout
Following night works on the Tesco roundabout in Wokingham earlier this month, we've been able to remove a lot of the traffic management that was needed.
We've now resurfaced the roundabout, which is seeing improved traffic flows on Finchampstead Road.
We're seeing similar improvements at the roundabout on the other side of the railway bridge, following the installation of permanent traffic lights.
Remember, we will need to join the Tesco roundabout to the distributor road in August and we will let you know more about our plans closer to the time.
 Head down to Holme Grange for summer fun day
Holme Grange Craft Village is having a summer fun day on Saturday 20 June.
The day will feature great food, live entertainment and a chance to visit the many shops on site.
There will be vintage and craft stalls, as well as a display of classic cars and activities for children, including a bouncy castle.
The fun day runs from 11am to 4pm and the site has free parking.
Helpful links
You can see all disruption across the borough using our live roadworks map.
If you have any questions or want to report a problem related to this project, please email Balfour Beatty or call 0800 121 4444 during business hours.
Before getting in touch, please check that we haven’t already answered your question on our FAQs about how we’re building the road or how the finished layout will work.
Other helpful links include:
|
