Palmer Park Parallel Pedestrian Crossing
In November 2020 Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) secured funding through the Department for Transport’s (DFT’s) Active Travel Fund (ATF) Tranche 2 and 3 in order to improve walking and cycling provisions within the Borough and to develop and deliver such schemes.
WBC have agreed to use this funding to improve the cycling and walking connection between Woodley town centre and the Reading borough boundary at Palmer Park with the final section of this route being within Reading Borough Boundary on Culver Lane and Palmer Park Avenue
The overall scheme consists of the provision of a new cycle route connecting Woodley Town Centre and Palmer Park including an upgrade to the existing shared footway/cycleway sections, junction upgrades and priority crossing points. Part of Woodlands Avenue is to be reduced to 20mph as part of the proposal, with Palmerstone Road and Culver Lane proposed to form part of a wider 20mph Zone which is being delivered as a separate scheme. Church Road is to remain 30mph.
A section of this scheme falls within Reading borough and consists of the provision of a new Parallel crossing over Palmer Park Avenue at the entrance to Palmer Park and improved crossing facilities (including raised table/crossing) at the Wykeham Road junction with Palmer Park Avenue. The pavement is also to be converted to shared space on the south side of Culver Lane between its junction with Wykeham Road and the borough boundary.
The introduction of a raised table at the Wykeham Road junction will be implemented under Section 90C of the Highways Act 1980 subject to consultation.
The section of the scheme within the borough has been developed with the engagement and feedback from Reading Borough Council Transport Officers.
The design for the section within Reading can be seen in Appendix A - Woodley Active Travel Scheme – Palmer Park Avenue Section Scheme Design drawing.
This is one of the key routes which have been identified in the Council’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). The proposed link would create a safe, inclusive and direct access to Woodley town centre while connecting it to several schools and leisure facilities.
The consultation runs from 30th January to 20th February 2025.
