 Good progress after road closes for water works
Part of Barkham Road is now closed while Thames Water upgrade a key trunk main and, as we previously explained, we're working with them to minimise the impact.
Replacing the old 1930s pipework is a complex, challenging project and we know this has been causing delays, which is frustrating for everyone.
However, Thames Water continue to make good progress and we'll keep doing all we can to ensure this continues.
The new water main must be carefully installed around existing utilities including a gas main, three other water pipes, many layers of road and more.
Before this started, Thames Water had to dig investigative holes so they could map what's under the road and work safely without damaging anything.
They managed to install more than 24m of pipe in the first week, which is highly productive as pipe laying wouldn't usually start until the second week.
They've installed at least 40m more since then, and this phase remains on track to finish in early November, four weeks earlier than originally planned.
 Building on promising work so far
Thames Water are using an "open-cut" method, where they dig a trench to lay pipes and backfill as they progress, and they're laying about three to four lengths daily.
They've already committed extra resources to this scheme and are considering further measures, including Saturday working.
We're willing to support extended hours, and overnight working if needed, though this must always be balanced with putting everyone's safety first.
Our inspectors are visiting regularly to ensure everything's going well and Thames Water have gone above the minimum requirements by funding a shuttle bus.
These works will proceed westward in phases along Barkham Road and Langley Common Road and are currently expected to finish next summer.
We'll share any updates here and we're thankful for your patience as the scheme is essential to ensure a continued supply for residents and businesses.
Most roadworks are by utility firms and we work with them to reduce disruption, which is sometimes unavoidable where essential services must be maintained. Find out how we manage roadworks to keep you moving.
 Click or tap for a short video about this road treatment
VIDEO: Blasting the roads to restore tyre grip
Our annual maintenance programme for 2026/7 is now coming to an end, with retexturing completed at 30 locations across the borough.
This is where we blast a road surface with high-pressure water or metal shot to rough it up and restore grip where it has become smooth over time.
It's a well-established treatment but we were trialling it for the first time, and you can see what it involves in this short 30-second video.
We've also completed most of the full resurfacing treatments that are due this year, with only a small number still to be undertaken.
While full resurfacing (video) is sometimes necessary, it's also the most expensive option and there are more cost-effective and sustainable alternatives in some cases.
This also includes surface dressings (video), where we lay and press in a new layer of stone chippings to extend an existing carriageway's life.
Questions about the South Wokingham Distributor Road? Join us at Hatch Ride Primary School on Thursday 8 October, between 6.30pm and 8.30pm, for the next South Wokingham community forum. We'll be answering questions, as will housing developers and our road building partners at Balfour Beatty.
 Click or tap to see a bigger version of this diagram
Learn more as gas upgrade rolls into Winnersh
Between now and about the end of next January, SGN will be closing sections of several roads and putting up temporary lights in Winnersh.
You can find out more from SGN or attend a drop-in next Tuesday (29 September) from 11am to 3pm at St Mary's parish hall in Church Close (RG41 5NA).
This is part of a wider upgrade programme, replacing old metal pipes with more durable plastic ones that should last about 80 years.
The works, with diversions alongside closures, are planned as follows:
For about two weeks from 26 October, road users will be asked to drive considerately past SGN's work site at the junction of King Street Lane and Alnatt Avenue.
We'll do all we can to ensure the scheme progresses in a timely fashion and later phases will be brought forward if SGN are able to get ahead of schedule.
As part of the same gas main upgrade programme, SGN are closing Upper Culham Lane at Remenham Hill, to the junction with Kentons Lane, from next Monday (28 September) until Friday 6 November.
 Small updates to your local bus journeys
Reading Buses have announced minor changes to several of their routes, including some serving destinations in Wokingham Borough.
At Arborfield Green, the Leopard 3 now uses Rowcroft Road instead of Baird Road as a link between Princess Marina Drive and Sheerlands Road.
Extra stops have also been added at Lance Way, and we're hoping to install new shelters alongside them at some point this autumn.
Meanwhile, the Claret 21 from Reading to Lower Earley now has extra buses during the weekday morning and evening peaks.
The Little Oranges 19b, also serving Lower Earley, now has an extra 7.16am journey from Chalfont Way on school days.
Additionally, on the Little Oranges 19c for Woodley and Earley, the 7.40am journey will now start at Royal Berkshire Hospital on school days.
 Keeping women and girls safe on public transport
South Western Railway and Network Rail Wessex are now White Ribbon accredited for their commitment to tackling violence against women and girls.
They're developing a three-year plan to combat abuse and harassment on their network, in line with the wider industry and British Transport Police's efforts.
GWR, which runs services in our borough, is also White Ribbon accredited.
Earlier this year, Reading Buses worked with Thames Valley Police to support the It Does Matter campaign, with officers on board to promote the message.
The campaign encourages everyone to report unwanted behaviour and not dismiss it as "minor", with the assurance that all reports will be taken seriously.
If your train's cancelled, you can now get on another operator’s service and continue your journey without paying again. A new Government scheme to enable this came into effect this week, offering passengers more flexibility.
 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.
Arborfield
Road closure - Swallowfield Road
Wed 30 Sep to Fri 2 Oct
The road will be closed between the A327 Observer Way and Castle Hill while BT replace a damaged access cover and frame.
Earley
Temporary lights - Church Road
Tue 29 and Wed 30 Sep
There'll be multi-way lights between Eastcourt Avenue and Woodlands Avenue while Virgin Media reinstate the carriageway.
Finchampstead
Temporary lights - Longwater Road
Mon 28 Sep to Fri 2 Oct
There'll be two-way lights between Cricket Hill and the Hampshire border while South East Water carry out a new connection.
Wargrave
Temporary lights - High Street
Tue 29 Sep, 9.30am to 4pm
There'll be multi-way lights between Station Road and B477 School Lane while BT clear some blockages.
Wokingham
Road closure - Barkham Road
Mon 28 and Tue 29 Sep, 11pm to 5.30am overnight
The road will be closed between Station Road and Oxford Road, at the level crossing, while Network Rail carry out signal maintenance.
Keeping up to date
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