Western Gateway

What we’re planning to do

To improve traffic flows on Finchampstead Road in support of the South Wokingham Distributor Road, we’re upgrading the mini-roundabout at the junction of Molly Millars Lane to a larger roundabout.

You can view a diagram showing the completed scheme.

The works include improved pedestrian and cycle access, with new and wider sections of footway and shared use path for cyclists, as well as landscaping and tree planting.

The northern side of Molly Millars Lane will be significantly improved, with a wider, shared footway and cycleway replacing the existing grass verge.

A signal-controlled toucan crossing will be installed to the north of the junction on Finchampstead Road, along with an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing on Molly Millars Lane.

The pedestrian crossing to the south of the junction will be removed and replaced with a new crossing further to the south, nearer the junction with Tangley Drive.

Current project status

Public consultation was held in early 2020 and a planning application was approved in May 2021. A detailed design was completed later in 2021.

Three properties on the south-western corner of Finchampstead Road and Molly Millars Lane have been demolished to make way for the new roundabout.

Ongoing 24/7 closures and diversions at this junction are expected start from late July 2025 and run in phases until in March 2026.

The phased approach means that different exits of the roundabout will close at different times, and different exits will likewise remain open at different times.

Programme timeline (subject to change)

For more information, the diagrams linked below show how these work will affect traffic flows as they progress. Access for residents and businesses will be kept open at all times.

As with any project of this complexity, there’s always a risk of unforeseen delays so these timings may change, in which case we will update this page.

• Early spring 2025 – clear trees from behind the hoardings on the south-western corner. Teams set up on site and prepare to start works
• Early April 2025 phase 1 diagram (JPEG) – off-road work starts on a section of the new roundabout behind the hoardings, crossings installed for utility diversions. All roads generally open as usual, with the chance of some overnight and weekend closures
• End of July 2025 phase 2 diagram (JPEG) - Molly Millars Lane closed and diverted at eastern end for new roundabout works. Traffic flowing northbound and southbound on Finchampstead Road as usual, pedestrian access with footpath diversions
• Early September 2025 phase 3 diagram (JPEG) - Finchampstead Road (north of junction) closed and diverted for new roundabout works. Traffic flowing between Molly Millars Lane and Finchampstead Road (south of junction) only, pedestrian access with footpath diversions
• End of 2025, or early 2026 phase 4 diagram (JPEG) and phase 5 diagram (JPEG) - Finchampstead Road (south of junction) closed and diverted for new roundabout works. Through traffic between Molly Millars Lane and Finchampstead Road (north of junction) only, pedestrian access with footpath diversions.
• March 2026 Phase 6 diagram (JPEG) – Finchampstead Road reopens. Final surfacing and road marking carried out, which could require about a week of overnight closures

At times throughout 2025 and 2026, the direction of traffic at the roundabout north of the railway bridge will change, with temporary traffic management in place. However, access to Landen Court and the supermarket will remain open at all times.

Diversionary routes

When Molly Millars Lane is closed, cars and most other traffic will be diverted as follows:

• Eastbound - Barkham Road (B3349), Station Approach, Reading Road (A329), Station Road (A321), Wellington Road (A321) and Finchampstead Road (A321)
• Westbound - Finchampstead Road (A321), Wellington Road (A321), Station Approach, Reading Road (A329), Station Road (A321) and Barkham Road (B3349)

HGVs will be diverted along Barkham Road (B3349), Langley Common Road (B3349), Eversley Road (A327), Nine Mile Ride Extension, Nine Mile Ride and Finchampstead Road (B3016 and A321), or the other way round.

When Finchampstead Road is closed, all vehicles will be diverted as follows:

• Northbound - Finchampstead Road (B3016), Nine Mile Ride, Nine Mile Ride Extension, Eversley Road (A327), Langley Common Road (B3349), Barkham Road (B3349), Station Approach, Reading Road (A329), Station Road (A321) and Wellington Road (A321)
• Southbound - Wellington Road (A321), Station Approach, Reading Road (A329), Station Road (A321), Barkham Road (B3349), Langley Common Road (B3349), Eversley Road (A327), Nine Mile Ride Extension, Nine Mile Ride and Finchampstead Road (B3016)

Get all the latest updates

We’ll update these pages as often as we can - but please sign up to our South Wokingham community newsletter for the latest updates, including any unexpected changes to the works schedule.