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Transport improvements

Alongside new housing and public open space, the developments have also included investment in improving local transport infrastructure.  A key feature has been the creation of the Eastern Relief Road that connects Reading to the north and the A327 Arborfield Road southeast of Shinfield.  This provides relief for Shinfield and the A327 Black Boy overbridge of the M4 as well as access to the new Science and Innovation Park. 

Transport management

Traffic management schemes to reduce speeds and improve pedestrian crossings have been implemented along Basingstoke Road, its junction with Hyde End Road improved and a new mini-roundabout created at Church Lane.

Building new homes has provided substantial new funds that have delivered public transport services. These include Mereoak Park and Ride and new bus services. These services now link the new housing and the existing villages to Reading town centre.

Upcoming works

Improvements to the junction of Church Lane and the Basingstoke Road, Three Mile Cross

As part of the investment in local infrastructure delivered as part of the South of the M4 SDL, roadworks will be taking place in early 2023, improving the junction between the Basingstoke Road and Church Lane in Three Mile Cross. 

This project will involve the installation of a new traffic-signal controlled junction to replace the existing mini roundabout, including dedicated pedestrian crossings and filter lanes at the junction of Church Lane and Basingstoke Road. Traffic calming measures will also be installed on Basingstoke Road to reduce vehicle speeds. The work is being undertaken on behalf of the University of Reading, Taylor Wimpey and Barratt David Wilson.

During the time that the above works are underway, there will be some interruptions to access along the Basingstoke Road and Church Lane. We will endeavour to keep inconvenience to neighbouring homes and businesses to an absolute minimum. The schedule will run over around six months, starting in 2023. Once a start date is confirmed we’ll update this page. 

Timetable of work

  • Creation of site facilities, installation of temporary traffic lights – closure of Church Lane until project completion (around five months). 
  • After the first month, work will commence on traffic calming measures, the expected re-opening of Church Lane playground. 
  • Later in the programme, around month five, there will be a period of full closure of the entire junction to allow for finishing works. 
  • The planned completion and lifting of Church Lane road closure will take place after around six months.

During the closure, the section of Church Lane between the junction and the entrance to the Shinfield allotments will only be open for local access to properties within that area. Temporary signals will be used to manage traffic flows. Pedestrian and cycle access along Church Lane and through the junction will be maintained.

What to expect from us

  • Advance warning signs with dates will be erected at least one week before any temporary closure or restriction is introduced to notify road users of the start date and potential disruption.
  • Information boards will be provided updating residents on the scheme. 
  • Temporary traffic lights will be used to manage traffic flows at junctions. There will be a diversion provided for pedestrians and temporary controlled pedestrian crossings will be provided.
  • Working hours will be 7.00 to 18.30 with any traffic signals manually controlled between 7.00 – 9.30 and 16.00 – 18.30.