Drivers have said that they are expecting ‘absolute carnage’ over the next seven months whilst a Finchampstead junction is rebuilt.

California Cross is a junction that connects Nine Mile Ride and Finchampstead Road to other areas across Wokingham.

Following news that roadworks would disrupt both drivers and local businesses, people took to social media to slam the ongoing works.

The junction is a crossroads with connections to various areas and neighbourhoods, making it a busy junction at peak times.

Resident Lisa Rollings commented saying: “It’s going to be absolute carnage when the schools go back, no one is going to be able to move!!!”

Paul Smith has said that he hears for local businesses and residents who live in the area, including emergency access to houses which will be limited during the closures and road works.

Wokingham Borough Council has said that these works are expected to enhance safety for both pedestrians and drivers. The two mini roundabouts will be removed and transformed in one large roundabout with approaching speed bumps and increased crossing points at the junction.

Olly Jarrett said: “Complete waste of time and money. WBC seems obsessed with pointless and never-ending road closures that make no difference to safety and often delay local residents! Absolute joke.”

Although several local businesses sit at the junction, it is thought that some of the parking outside the shops will be removed to make room for crossings and other features.

The disruption is predicted to cause a drop in footfall for the businesses in the area, which includes a Co-op store, a post office, a pharmacy, and Cresswell Garage and petrol station.

A Co-op employee said that they are expecting a fall in business as residents will avoid the area during roadworks.

Many residents have expressed their frustration at the council’s decision to rebuild the junction.

Mark Hall commented on social media: “Complete waste of time and budget could go into other much-needed areas.”

Another resident added: "How about prioritizing fixing the massive potholes outside the f***ing doctors surgery rather than rebuilding a junction that doesn't even need rebuilding?"