Construction Works - Frequently Asked Questions

Why have you cut down trees and hedges along the route?

We removed some vegetation in early 2025 to allow space for the road itself, while some has been removed to make space for construction work or supporting infrastructure.

This includes things like flood drainage channels, or culverts, which measure 3m by 3m (9.8ft by 9.8ft) and are buried up to 5m (16ft) underground.

Tree roots can stretch much further underground than visible growth can reach above ground, and these works could damage them – affecting their health and putting them at risk of falling.

Relocating any trees would also have been difficult, as larger and older specimens have bigger root systems and are less likely to survive.

We assessed and recorded all trees that were due for removal as part of the planning process, and took them into account when planning our mitigation measures.

We’re still firmly committed to honouring our climate emergency commitments, which is why this scheme includes extensive replanting and appropriate landscaping.

Will I be able to use footpaths through the surrounding countryside?

All footpaths off Finchampstead Road, Gipsy Lane, Luckley Road and the Ludgrove access track were closed for safety reasons in early 2025 and we aren’t expecting to reopen them until mid-2026 at the earliest.

It might be possible to reopen Footpath 10, between Gipsy Lane railway footbridge and Ludgrove track, later in summer 2025 but we’re still working out whether this can be done safely.

In the meantime, access between Finchampstead Road and Easthampstead Road is via Denmark Street, Langborough Road and Murdoch Road.

Footpath 5, which runs from the Heathlands Road junction on Easthampstead Road to the new roundabout on Waterloo Road, will also close from later on in 2025, with a diversion via Waterloo Road, Clay Lane and William Heelas Way.

We know this is disappointing to people who use these paths regularly, but the ground is dangerously uneven and will be regularly crossed by heavy machinery as the works progress.

It’s unlikely that we’ll be able to provide an alternative footpath through the countryside because we’re undertaking complex earthworks where we’re building a new road bridge over the Emm Brook.

How are you keeping pedestrians and cyclists safe during the works?

There’ll be clearly marked pathways to guide cyclists and pedestrians around areas where work is taking place, with signs telling cyclists to dismount as they will have less room to pass.

We’ll put up clearly marked temporary crossings, with someone on hand to control them at busy times and with adequate lighting where needed. The construction areas themselves will be fenced off to stop anyone entering by accident.

Are emergency services aware of the planned works, and will they have access?

We inform the emergency services about roadworks, including any closures, and regularly update them so they can plan their routes effectively. Access for emergency vehicles is always prioritised, and plans are in place to make sure they can respond rapidly when needed.

What time of day are road works going to be scheduled?

We know roadworks can be disruptive, so we plan them to minimise disruption as much as possible. Major works that may impact traffic flow are typically scheduled during off-peak hours or overnight.

However, sometimes a road has to be closed at all times because of the complexity of the works taking place, which means it isn’t safe or practical to open it at any time. We’ll always communicate this well in advance, along with any changes to schedules.

Will bus routes or schedules be affected?

We’re doing all we can to minimise this. Where temporary changes are needed, we’ll work closely with bus operators and communicate this to you.

Could there be interruptions to utilities like water, gas electricity, or internet?

We aren’t expecting any, aside from a very small number of properties we’ve communicated directly with, and we’re working closely with utility providers to ensure services are maintained. We’ll let you know well in advance if that changes.

How can I keep up to date with the progress of this project?

We’ll issue detailed updates through our South Wokingham community newsletter, with overviews of the major milestones in our Residents’ Round-up and Traffic & Travel newsletters.

These webpages will be updated as frequently as possible, but the best way to stay updated is to subscribe to the newsletters.

We’ll also be dropping letters to households and businesses in areas where any disruptive works are taking place.

What will be done to offset the impact of noise and air quality issues?

We’ve approved a detailed Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) which the contractors are required to follow when building the road.

This has been shaped by our partners at Balfour Beatty, who have a wealth of experience from similar projects including the construction of other major new roads in Wokingham Borough.

As part of an environmental statement, the noise and vibration and air quality impacts have been assessed for the construction phase and the working life of the road.

These set out measures which ensure the scheme will comply with national policies and safe limits on air quality, as well as our own policies, at all times.