AFTER MONTHS of construction, the new relief road in Winnersh has opened to the public.
The Wokingham Borough Mayor, Malcolm Richards, officially opened the road this week, marking its completion after construction works being in place since August 2020.
The council said the relief road was designed to ease congestion for traffic in the Winnersh area, as well as providing a continuation of the council's next big road plan, the North Wokingham Distributor Road.
ALSO READ: Five local people banned or fined for speeding on motorways
Mark Cupit, assistant director delivery and infrastructure said: “The opening of this road is an incredible milestone for the borough, and I would like to thank everyone involved along the way.
"The project has been successfully completed despite having the disruption of a global pandemic.
“We have seen a lot of change in recent years, through the development of new communities and we are committed to ensuring we build the right infrastructure in the right places.
"The council is investing £1billion in new schools, community and leisure facilities, parks and open spaces and roads to ensure our new communities have what they need to thrive.
"This final phase of the Winnersh Relief Road is a key piece of the puzzle to help relieve the congestion we have at the Winnersh Sainsbury’s crossroads.”
Pic: Wokingham Borough Council
The new relief road now connects the A329 Reading Road to B3030 King Street Lane, taking traffic away from the Winnersh crossroads.
Bob Mountain, vice chair of the Berkshire Local Transport Body and board director at Thames Valley Berkshire LEP said: “The Winnersh Relief Road scheme aligns with LEP strategic priorities by helping to relieve congestion issues across the wider Winnersh highway network.
ALSO READ: Lorry driver dies following crash with tractor in six-vehicle pile-up
"It also meets the infrastructure needs by supporting delivery of the Hatch Farm Dairies development of over 400 houses as well as the wider need for housing growth in the area.
"The scheme delivers on many levels – not only reducing existing and future peak hour congestion in Winnersh by providing an alternative route for through traffic but also reducing journey times on the A329 Reading Road through Winnersh.
"Importantly, it also encourages active travel through the provision of cycle lanes and footpaths."
For more information, visit news.wokingham.gov.uk/news/major-milestone-as-winnersh-relief-road-opens/.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here