Bearwood Road in Barkham will now be closed later in the month after original works by Thames Water were postponed due to heavy rainfall.
It is still expected to run until late September once work gets underway.
Thames Water needs to upgrade water pipes that are facing increased demand from the growing number of new homes at the former Arborfield Garrison.
Wokingham Borough Council said it has previously put these works off, but they are now urgent. If the pipes burst — which has happened before in the area — it would require an emergency road closure anyway.
This would leave homes and businesses without water, and the council is legally obliged to help utility providers prevent any interruption to people’s supply.
The council said it always coordinates work applications to minimise disruption, but sometimes has to allow them even when other disruptive works are already taking place.
It added that it has postponed several applications for works that aren’t urgent, and will continue to do so wherever possible.
