Road closures at a major crossroads could be extended by as much as three weeks due to 'unforeseen delays'.

Major works to revamp California Cross in Finchampstead are being carried out by Wokingham Borough Council, which hopes to have the work completed by September. But the first phase of the work – which was set to end on Wednesday, May 8, – is taking longer than planned.

It means the first set of road closures along Finchampstead Road and Nine Mile Ride could last until the end of the month.

Wokingham Borough Council’s website says: “The project team have uncovered a lot of electrical, gas and water pipes that were not visible on any plans provided by the utility companies.

READ MORE: California Crossroads work delayed after problems discovered

“This has meant the team 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.”

Wokingham Borough Council says that the revamp will make it easier for pedestrians to access shops, Nine Mile Ride School and Gorse Ride School. But the scale of the work means it may not be completed until September this year.

During the current phase, Finchampstead Road is closed from Ratepayer Hall to the crossroads, and Nine Mile Ride is closed from just past Gorse Ride to the crossroads. The council says this phase is still on course to end this month – but there will be more road closures after that.

In the second phase, from Wild Acres Rest Home to the crossroads and Nine Mile Ride will be closed from the junction of Wick Hill Lane to the crossroads.