The Director of Environment and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report that outlined the progress made in delivering Phases 1 and 2 of the new National Cycle Network route between Greenwood Road on the Bath Road and Watlington Street on London Road.  The report also sought scheme and spend approval for improvements along London Road and Wokingham Road, from Watlington Street to Holmes Road, following feedback submitted earlier this year on the draft Phase 3 designs.

The following documents were attached to the report:

Appendix 1 – Detailed designs for NCN 422 Phase 3

Appendix 2 – Equality Impact Assessment for NCN 422 Phase 3

The report stated that Phase 1 works had commenced on-site along Bath Road in January 2017 and these works were now largely complete however the traffic signal upgrade at Circuit Lane was expected to be completed in November 2018.  Phase 2 works had commenced on-site along Berkley Avenue in January 2018.  Works including the installation of two tiger crossings, imprinting across junctions and crossing improvements had been completed.  Outstanding works, including the widening of existing cycle lanes on Berkeley Avenue, a contra-flow cycle facility on Kennet Side and the installation of improved signing in the form of directional signs and those reminding users to ‘share with care’ were expected to be completed in Winter 2018.

The Phase 3 programme would deliver off-carriageway cycle facilities along sections of Wokingham Road, between Eastern Avenue and Wilderness Road (the Borough boundary). This would be complemented by improvements to the existing on-carriageway route (local route R30), providing a mixture of routes that would cater for both experienced and less confident cyclists.  The route would link to Phase 2 of the NCN 422 route to the west via existing off-carriageway cycle facilities at Cemetery Junction and along London Road, and would also connect to the Wokingham Borough section of the NCN 422 route to the east, once completed.  The route will also link to local cycle routes and facilities, including the R20 and R3.

The detailed designs for Wokingham Road between Culver Road and Green Road were currently being reviewed following feedback from Traffic Management Sub-Committee.  Subject to the outcome of the review, the delivery programme was likely to include changes to traffic calming measures including vertical deflections and raised informal pedestrian crossing points through the Wokingham Road local centre and improved crossing facilities east of College Road and west of Pitcroft Avenue, including dedicated cycle facilities.

Resolved -

(1)          That the progress in delivering the National Cycle Network (NCN) 422 scheme be noted;

(2)          That scheme and spend approval for NCN 422 Phase 3 be granted;

(3)        That the acting Head of Transportation and Streetcare, in consultation with the Lead Councillor and Ward Councillors, be delegated authority to proceed with the Phase 3 programme between Culver Road and Green Road, subject to a review of concerns raised at the Traffic Management Sub-Committee.