 Finishing touches coming for new cycle track
We're building the final section of cycleway along Woodlands Avenue as part of our Woodley to Reading active travel route.
Until this is completed on Monday 24 August, the sections between Crockhamwell Road and Howth Drive may now be used for cycling in either direction.
Tomorrow night (Friday 7 August) we'll be painting double yellow lines to enforce the restrictions already in place and prevent parking on these sections.
We know this has been frustrating so we're working as quickly as we can and we've put out cones until this can be done.
We're building each section as quickly as we can, to reduce disruption, but this does mean moving ahead before some finishing works can be scheduled.
We'll also be installing new signs to warn motorists of the new road layout and we're looking at the best way to make the priority at side junctions clear.
To make clear that the cycle track is two-way, markings have been painted on the surface and more will be painted in due course.
 Putting vulnerable road users first as rules change
In keeping with the Highway Code's revision in 2022, pedestrians and cyclists have priority wherever the new cycle track crosses a side road junction.
If you're driving in or out, you must slow and pay attention to whoever's coming, and give way if a pedestrian or cyclist is crossing or waiting to cross.
We know some drivers may still be unfamiliar with this rule, but layouts like this are common in Europe and becoming increasingly common here.
We'll take a closer look at how the route works in a future newsletter.
Once work on Woodlands Avenue finishes, it will progress to the junction of Woodlands Avenue and Church Road, and finally to Culver Lane in Earley. We're hoping to complete the entire scheme by early 2027.
 Give your views on proposed car park changes
We're looking to change to how we manage our car parks across the borough and want to hear what you think. This includes:
- Reducing how long you have to wait before returning to a short stay car park, from no same-day returns to not within two hours
- More flexible season tickets for people with hybrid working patterns, with the option to buy blocks of days
- Increasing provision in Wokingham town centre by reopening Shute End Eastern car park, off Biscoe Way, to the public
- New parking charges at Ashenbury Park to support its management, maintenance and future improvement
- School drop-off and pick-up permits at our car parks where appropriate
- Simplifying charging periods and standardising overnight parking costs
A £2.50 daily charge at Ashenbury Park would apply to parking only, with entry to the park remaining free. Parking would remain free for blue badge holders.
This is part of our long-term aim to develop Ashenbury Park with improved access, facilities and better wildlife habitats.
Our consultation closes on 9 September and we'll consider all your responses before we make any final decision.
Your views help shape many changes and we recently consulted on expanding our enforcement cameras for moving traffic offences, as well as various new speed limits. We'll let you know the next steps once we've agreed them.
 Removing barriers to healthier and greener travel
In response to your feedback, we're removing old pedestrian and cyclist guardrails at eight locations across the borough.
These are near Scots Drive, Northway, Apple Close and Falcon Way in Wokingham, and Radstock Lane and three spots on Elm Lane in Lower Earley.
Design guidance has changed since these were installed, and now stresses ensuring that people can get around actively and sustainably.
Removing them makes paths much easier to navigate for cyclists, people with buggies and pushchairs, and those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
In some instances, we've installed new upright bollards to keep cars out while maintaining access for everyone else.
This scheme arose from a request by the WATCH Wokingham group, who we met on site to cycle the routes together before agreeing the next steps.
We're considering removing more guardrails in the years to come and you can contact us if there's somewhere you think this would be helpful.
You can report any inappropriate use of footpaths, or any other anti-social behaviour in your community, to the police online or by calling 101 .
 New safety barriers installed on dual carriageway
As part of our commitment to maintaining all assets on our network, we’ve almost finished replacing about 1km of central reservation barrier along the A3290.
This stretch, between Thames Valley Park and just south of Suttons Seeds roundabout in Earley, had been nearing the end of its useful life.
We've installed two new barriers along each side of the central reservation, with more distance between them than before.
Works started in April and are wrapping up, with overnight westbound and eastbound closures to remove temporary traffic management ending tomorrow (7 August).
This took slightly longer than planned due to underground utilities that weren't documented, which is common for any schemes involving excavation.
We keep records of all the highways structures that we’re responsible for, and we routinely inspect them and act where we identify any work that's needed.
 Teamwork makes the dream work in highways award
Last week, we announced that we'd won an award for the records that we keep of our streets to help us maintain them.
We'd like to thank our partners at WSP, who provide us with expert advice and consultancy, for their part in this achievement.
Along with VolkerHighways, who carry out a wide range of maintenance tasks on the network all year round, they form part of our Wokingham Highways Alliance.
Last week's newsletter was slightly delayed due to a technical error. Apologies for any confusion - there is no change to the regular Thursday evening slot.
 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.
Finchampstead
Road closure - Nine Mile Ride
Monday 10 to Friday 14 August
The road will be closed between Avery Close and Bank Side while South East Water install a new water connection.
Hurst
Road closure - Hinton Road
Monday 10 August to Friday 25 September
The road will be closed between the A321 and the Green Man pub while SGN replace a gas main as part of a major national upgrade.
Spencers Wood
Temporary lights - Hyde End Road
Monday 10 to Friday 21 August
There'll be multi-way lights at the junction with Grovelands Road while BT clear blocked ducts and install new infrastructure.
Twyford
Road closure - High Street
Monday 10 to Wednesday 12 August (8pm to 6pm daily)
The road will be closed between Polehampton Close and Bridge Park while BT repair and adjust utility covers.
Keeping up to date
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