Work to create a roundabout at what has been labelled as a ‘dangerous’ road junction between Bracknell and Wokingham will take 48 weeks, it has been revealed.
Plans have already been approved for the work where Peacock Lane turns into Old Wokingham Road at a bend, with a T-junction for Waterloo Road.
The junction, which is on the boundary between Bracknell and Wokingham, is set to be turned into a roundabout, with both authorities having involvement in the project.
A plan for the roundabout for Peacock Lane and Waterloo Road was approved by Bracknell Forest Council in February this year.
The project design does not include traffic lights.
It is being enabled by financial contributions from the south Wokingham major development and distributor road, made up of around 2,500 homes and a road running between the Eastern Gateway and the Tesco Wokingham superstore in the neighbouring borough.
To clear the way for the roundabout creation works, Bracknell Forest council’s cabinet had to agree to a land transfer.
In a question from councillor Seaona Turtle at last week’s full council meeting of Wokinghm borough council, she asked Cllr Adriian Betteridge, the executive counselor for active
travel transport and highways: “You announced at the Wokingham Without parish council annual meeting in April that work would start in September this year to construct a new roundabout.
“I’ve not seen any notification that this work will take place. Can you confirm when
the work will start, the planned duration of the work and how this contract will be funded?”
Cllr Betteridge said: “It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to talk with parishioners earlier this year.
“I’m not sure I meant to make an announcement as such, because I think what I talked about was already in the public domain.
“But given the significance of the project, I think it would have been remiss of me not to have included it in the conversation.
“The improvement of the junction between Peacock Lane and Waterloo Road is part of the south Wokingham strategic development.
“It’s funded via the South Wokingham distributor road capital funding allocation.
“In addition to improving junction capacity, it will also be easier to navigate, which I know local people will welcome.
“There are a number of procedures and consents that are necessary between the two boroughs before work can commence.
“This includes the transfer of land to Wokingham for the period of the construction, and this was only approved last week.
“Teams from both councils are working to finalise other details.
“I can’t give an exact date whilst some details are being finalised, but we are expecting works to commence in Autumn 2026.
“This is a significant project. It is expected to take around 48 weeks to complete.
“The project team will provide further information to councilors, the parish, businesses and the public in advance of work starting,, and on progress as it’s done for all other aspects of the south Wokingham project.
“Whilst the work is underway, the newly opened White Horse Way will provide an alternative route towards the M4, and as with other changes in the area, this work has been arranged to ensure there are viable alternative routes available.”
