Roadworks at California crossroads in Finchampstead have fallen behind schedule, despite recent assurances that work was on track.
But there is confusion as to exactly how far behind schedule it is.
A statement from Wokingham Borough Council on March 20 said: “The project is going well and on schedule to have the roads reopened in early summer.”
According to an updated schedule on its website this week, the work in phase three of the scheme had been extended until late September.
Local schools had previously been told that works would be completed prior to the start of the new school year on September 4.
But the initial suggestion that work is currently delayed by as much as three weeks may not be entirely correct.
During an online meeting on Wednesday afternoon, it was suggested the information on the website will be amended so as to avoid confusion.
In its latest project newsletter, Wokingham Borough Council said that working weekends would not improve the completion date.
“Our work is dependent on materials being delivered to site and this does not happen over weekends or on bank holidays, which is why our team was not on site over Easter weekend.
“With the drainage works we are currently working on, for example, we need materials like concrete to be delivered on the day as it is perishable due to the limited time it can be left before it starts to set.”
It confirmed that work is currently taking place between 7am and 5pm during the week, adding the project is scheduled so that if things like tarmac or concrete need time to dry, this happens overnight or over the weekend.
“It would not be practical for a second team to be employed to work overnight or weekends. It would cost more than our budget would allow, and it wouldn’t have much impact on reducing the length of the project.
“These works can also be very noisy at times and we have to consider those living in close proximity.”
Rebecca Margetts, councillor for Finchampstead South, attended the meeting on Wednesday.
She told Wokingham Today: “We reminded the project team of the need to have the works completed by the start of the school term on September 10.
“Wokingham Borough Council has committed to ensuring that everything will be done to ensure the work is completed by this date.
“We were told the date posted on the website showing the completion on September 27 will be amended as it has caused confusion.
“The date that was published was from the contractor, and the lead officer has stated these dates are fluid and will change, but they have no concerns at this time that the finish date will be delayed.”
She added the only work scheduled to be completed after September 10 will be overnight resurfacing work.
In a statement to Wokingham Today, the council’s director of place and growth Giorgio Framalicco said: “The first phase of work is now due to be finished on May 22.
“Originally, it was hoped to finish phase one by May 8 however, over the past few weeks, we’ve uncovered a lot of electrical, gas and water pipes that were not visible on any plans provided by the utility companies.
“This has meant we have had to hand dig, rather than use machines, in many areas to ensure the safety of our team and to prevent damage to these vital services.
“This, together with heavy rainfall, has caused delays but we hope to make up this time in phase two and three of the project which would allow us to complete the project on schedule.
“Actions to bring the project back on schedule are being considered, which includes working additional hours.
“At this stage it is not pragmatic to increase working hours, but this will remain under review throughout the project.”
Speaking on March 20, Cllr Paul Fishwick, executive member for active travel, transport and highways, said: “We know this work needs to be done as quickly as possible, to minimise disruption as we create the village centre that the area deserves.”
