Bracknell roads set for £7.7m upgrade in 2026 and 2027
Major improvements are planned for trunk roads and pedestrian access
In the upcoming years, Bracknell Council has promised to invest £7.7 million on improving roads, pavements, bridges, and cycle lanes between 2026 and 2027.
Despite the investment, Conservative leader Gareth Barnard believes this funding merely scratches the surface of what is needed in the area.
Significant improvements will soon be visible on trunk roads like Nine Mile Ride, the A329, and Mill Lane, where parts will be replaced or treated entirely.
Council leaders affirmed these plans at a cabinet meeting on 17th March.
Transport chief Guy Gilbe has hailed the £7.7 million as a “record level of investment,” prioritising enhancements for road safety as well as general maintenance.
Cllr Barnard criticised the council for overselling the programme’s capacity.
“The resources they’ve got won’t cover everything they need to address,” he said.
“A lot of work remains, especially in the semi-rural areas like Warfield, Winkfield and Binfield.
“They’re tinkering at the edges.”
According to the council, the winter months were productive, with the highways team fixing twice as many road problems as in previous years.
Council officials have highlighted ongoing efforts to fix road defects as priority, ensuring that the most serious ones are addressed first and work continues into the spring.
The programme allocates £5.4 million towards replacing or treating entire road or footway surfaces, aiming to bolster the network’s overall condition.
Roads scheduled for treatment this year include:
- The A329 Berkshire Way between Binfield and Jennett’s Park;
- The A321 Wokingham Road between Crowthorne and Sandhurst;
- Nine Mile Ride (B3430) between Great Hollands and Crowthorne;
- Kingscroft Lane (the A330) between Winkfield and Warfield East;
- Mill Lane (the A3095) through Great Hollands; Easthampstead and Wildridings; Binfield South and Jennett’s Park.
Walking and cycling schemes are also on the agenda, enhancing access to schools, workplaces, and healthcare.
Pedestrian schemes include:
- A new toucan crossing approaching the Harvest Ride roundabout;
- A new zebra crossing on Crowthorne Road and a 20mph limit in Netherton;
- New footpath links to bus stops in Great Hollands.
Traffic-flow upgrades entail:
- A junction upgrade at Dukes Ride/New Wokingham Road;
- Crossing upgrades on Yorktown Road and Jigs Lane North;
- Road safety schemes managing speed and reducing accidents at key junctions like Forest Road with Binfield Road.
Bracknell’s Council promises £220,000 to improve drainage and earmarks £580,000 for electrical repairs, restoring streetlights.
Guy Gillbe said the council's plans would improve safety and public services while addressing drainage and repairs.
“This is a record level of investment in our roads, pavements, cycle lanes, and other highways infrastructure,” Gillbe said.
“While the £7.7m will enable us to make significant road improvements, it cannot fix every issue in Bracknell Forest."
“However, continued road surface investment is making a difference; our data shows our roads in better condition than other regions.”