Why we’re building the South Wokingham Distributor Road

Why we’re building the South Wokingham Distributor Road

We’re committed to providing new housing at South Wokingham as part of our Local Plan, which sets out how the borough should grow to meet its future needs.

The South Wokingham major development includes about 600 new homes and related infrastructure which have been built at Montague Park, to the south of London Road.

The remaining 1,800 or so homes will be built to the south of the railway line, on land between Waterloo Road and Finchampstead Road. 

The South Wokingham Distributor Road will be a key transport link for this new community, including safe, accessible cycling and walking provision to reduce the need for driving.

It will also offer an alternative route for through traffic that avoids Wokingham town centre.

How the new road is being funded

We’re building the South Wokingham Distributor Road with funding from Homes England, the Government’s housing and regeneration agency.

This will be paid back through the contributions which developers are required to make towards community infrastructure when they get planning permission for new housing.

The developers will also fund new bus services along the route, along with other amenities like a new primary school, community building and allotments.

Construction works are being carried out in partnership with Balfour Beatty.

Project overview and progress

The South Wokingham Distributor Road is being built in sections:

• William Heelas Way - This was completed by David Wilson Homes in 2015 as part of the Montague Park housing development. It primarily serves housing and other amenities in this area, including the shops and new primary school
• Eastern Gateway - This opened in 2022, joining William Heelas Way with Waterloo Road. It includes a bridge over the railway, replacing the former level crossing near Clay Lane, and a new roundabout on Waterloo Road
• Central Section - This will run parallel to the railway, between the roundabout on Waterloo Road and the roundabout near Tesco on Finchampstead Road. Part of Easthampstead Road will be replaced by a new link road
• Finchampstead Road (Western Gateway) – The junction of Molly Millars Lane and Finchampstead Road will be improved by upgrading the mini-roundabout to a larger roundabout. Pedestrian and cycle access will also be improved and made safer
• Peacock Lane – We’re required to improve traffic flows at the southern end of Waterloo Road, where it meets Peacock Lane, and are awaiting planning permission from Bracknell Forest Council for measures to achieve this.

We expect to finish all works and open the new road by early 2027.