Major works that are predicted to cause chaos will start next week.
Phase one of carriageway works at California Crossroads in Finchampstead will start on Monday, and are expected to continue until mid-May. The entire project is predicted to be completed by September.
Phase one will see Finchampstead Road closed from the Ratepayers Hall to California crossroads, as well as Nine Mile Ride being closed from just past Gorse Ride to the crossroads.
Wokingham Borough Council has said that access will be maintained to properties along these roads within the closure. Details of official diversion routes for Phase 1 are on its website,
Wokingham Borough Council, on its dedicated website, said: “Although we aim to carry out construction works in phases to minimise disruption, there will be some closures while they take place. This is required for the carriageway works.
“Pedestrian access will always be maintained for all businesses, and we’ll do all we can to maintain deliveries to all businesses through traffic management.”
Local businesses have understandably raised concerns about the possible loss of trade during the work, and many took to social media to urge locals to continue to patronise their businesses.
The Queens Oak in Finchampstead said: “Amidst the dust and drills of the planned nine-month works, The Queen’s Oak will most definitely be open, ready to serve you with a smile.
“Our ask of you is to continue to show us some love, and to help keep the community spirit we have built alive.”
Cresswells Garage wrote: “During the road works on California crossroads, we would like to reassure our customers that we will be opening normally with full facilities available.
“The contractors have said there will be access to both sides but this may be restricted at times.
Nine Mile Ride Veterinary Hospital added: “Please be aware that the road closure starts on Monday, which means there will be no access to Nine Mile Ride or our practice via Finchampstead Road.
“Can we ask that you please allow extra time to arrive at your appointment.”
A special newsletter produced by Finchampstead Parish Council to address concerns noted: “The project originated from planning consents given for the large amounts of housing development at Arborfield Green and Finchwood Park, at least ten years ago.
“The assessment by Highways Officers at the time of these planning applications was that the resulting increases in traffic on Nine Mile Ride would eventually impact California Crossroads, and this would need mitigating.
“Getting the developers to fund this by means of a condition on the planning consent would have required robust technical evidence to prove that it was necessary.
“It was also an opportunity to revitalise a part of Finchampstead that is undeniably starting to show its age.
“Is it a good use of money? Developer contributions are a complex topic. Broadly, they must be used according to the planning consent from which they arise and cannot be used for maintenance projects such as road repairs.
“Cancelling the project could mean handing money back including what has already been spent on consultation, design and procurement of the contractor.
“Then, if in say ten years’ time (and currently only about half of the Arborfield development has been built), it was decided the project was needed, the money wouldn’t be there to fund it.
“Therefore, this is a ‘now or never’ project and the council has decided that, on balance, it’s best to continue with it.”
The overall aim of the project is to create a stronger sense of place, by shifting priority away from motor vehicles. This will be achieved by making it easier for non-motorists to move between and around the two mini roundabouts, as well as provide additional crossing points that will allow more direct routes for non-motorised users
The work is also expected to make it easier for non-motorists to move around Avery Corner, the shopping parade, and access the school. This will be achieved by bringing the carriageway and other areas to the same level, giving non-motorised users priority and improving access for wheelchair users.
The result will also see what is described as a higher quality environment, with embossed design on the footway paving, as well as leaf pattern printed on the carriageway and at crossings.
Charles Margetts, conservative councillor for Finchampstead North, told Wokingham Today: “The £5.4 million redevelopment of California Crossroads starts on February 12, and will run for eight months.
“We are very disappointed the council chose not to listen to the petition signed by more than 800 residents, which was presented by local businesses and Cllr Peter Harper late last year calling for this scheme to be dropped.
“Wokingham Borough Council has admitted this scheme does not improve traffic flow or road safety.
“However, the Liberal council has decided to proceed with the scheme.
“It will cause a lot of disruption in the area, and we will be pressing the council to ensure it is delivered on time and to budget.”
“I have been contacted by many residents who live on side roads, and are fearful of their roads becoming rat runs for the period of the work.
“We will continue to ask Wokingham Borough Council to take steps to stop this happening.
“The council has said it will not pay compensation to the local shops, restaurants and garage for the significant disruption to their businesses.
“I know many are very concerned about the harm this scheme will do to their footfall. It is imperative the people keep visiting the shops, restaurants , pub and garage in Finchampstead to ensure they get through this difficult period and can prosper when the work is complete.
“This scheme is being imposed on local people against the wishes of the majority.
“I hope it is worth it when we come out the other side.”
Cllr Paul Fishwick, Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for active travel, transport and highways, said that the recent drop-ins in December 2023 offered local residents the opportunity to meet the project team, and to find out about the upcoming works.
He said: “This was an information session about the roadworks and not a consultation event about the project.
“In late 2018 and early 2019, we consulted on the proposed plan which included drop in consultation events.
“We used the feedback from the consultation to shape the final scheme, which is about to start being delivered.
“We do listen to feedback and concerns and accommodate requests when we can.
“During the December 2023 drop-in sessions, we received feedback which has been taken into account as part of the traffic management for the project, such as narrowing the junctions to Kiln Ride and Windsor Road, as well as adding moe signs telling people to use the official diversion and not their sat navs.
“We also agreed to temporarily close White Horse Lane and Warren Road at one end during the works, due to concerns raised by residents that drivers would use this as a cut through.”
He said his team will continue to monitor the local highway network throughout the project and, where possible, will introduce additional traffic management measures if needed.
He added: “This scheme will improve the area, particularly for pedestrians, and create an improved heart of Finchampstead village.
“We know that while we are working on the highway, this will cause disruption but we will work to minimise this as best we can.
“The current construction schedule is balanced to reduce the overall length of the work while still maintaining access, via diversions, to the facilities in the village centre.
“We want to remind everyone that businesses and schools will be open as usual, however you might need to take a slightly different route to get to them during the planned construction phases.
“We would encourage you to continue to support your local shops and businesses through the works.”
For up-to-date information about the project, you can sign up for a regular newsletter at www.wokingham.gov.uk/newsletter.
