Just a quick update, based on a briefing I had from an officer this morning.  I am grateful for the update.  I think the council is trying to get the work done sensibly, but there is no doubt at all that there is going to be some major disruption over the next few months.

PLEASE NOTE:  This is just information about what is happening.  It doesn’t mean I think the link road is the best idea for solving the traffic problems in Wokingham.

Work starts in Oxford Road 27th October.   Now clarified, thanks to officer briefing this morning, that means Oxford Road will be closed at the Barkham Road end, but you will be able to get access from the Reading Road end as far as Halfords.

Work starts in Barkham Road 10th November, at the level crossing end from about Latimer Road.  Access to shops and the hospital will be maintained.  However, no way out via Oxford Road.

Work is due to finish in both roads on 5th December.  Hours of working are 8 am – 8 pm Mon – Sat.

The level crossing is due to be closed off to traffic for the whole time, but the gates will be operating as usual, to allow pedestrians to cross.

What happens after that is dependent on Network Rail’s agreement to the scheduling of work that affects the track.

Work still to be done includes:

– junction of Wellington Road and Station Road, which will mean closure of Wellington Road at the station end  for a few weeks.

– junction of Station Road and Reading Road,which involves turning Station Road into one way down the hill towards the level crossing

There is one change to what I was expecting.  It looks like there will not be traffic lights at the Reading Road/Station Road junction after all. There will be give way markings instead.  Slightly nervous whether this will work.

Also slightly nervous as to whether there will be enough room at the station for people dropping off and picking up people.

Queried potential for rat-running via Arthur Road/Meadow Road out onto Barkham Road.  Apparently some surveying was done before work started, and more will be done after the new road is open, to check the impact.  But left wondering what they will do about it if it turns out to be a major problem.

I have asked whether some railings can be provided by the traffic lights by the new station link road junction with Reading Road, on the Willow Court/Masonic Centre side of the road, to protect pedestrians.  This is because of the slope of the road down to the pavement.

Some of the fine detail of traffic management during the works has not been settled yet.  HGVs are going to have major diversions, and won’t be able to access some stores while Wellington Road is shut.

Depending on Network Rail, the aim is to have the work completed by around the end of February.

 

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