Safety audit finds redesigned junction unlikely to have caused collision

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 16:32 · Archive

A safety audit found one injury collision near Finchampstead's redesigned California Crossroads was very unlikely to have been caused by the £5.5m junction overhaul.

One injury collision was recorded at Finchampstead's redesigned California Crossroads during its first year of operation. The crash occurred on Nine Mile Ride, approximately 30 metres west of the junction, and was classified as slight in severity. It happened between October 2024 and September 2025, following completion of the £5.5m redesign.

An independent safety audit carried out by engineering consultancy WSP, commissioned by Wokingham Borough Council, concluded the collision was 'very unlikely' to have been caused by the new road layout. The report identified driver-related contributory factors, including being affected by alcohol, driving aggressively or dangerously, and failing to observe properly.

No personal-injury collisions were recorded within the scheme's boundaries during the three years before construction, between April 2021 and March 2024. Although collision frequency appeared slightly higher after the redesign was introduced, auditors said this was very unlikely to be statistically significant given only one collision had been recorded. No fatal or serious injuries occurred either before or after the changes.

The audit did identify outstanding safety concerns following a June site visit. Auditors observed vehicles mounting kerbs and footways at two corners of the junction, particularly when turning from Finchampstead Road into Nine Mile Ride. They recommended installing flexible marker posts or similar bollards to discourage this behaviour.

How it is being reported

• New report on collisions at California Crossroads after controversial reesignsA CONTROVERSIAL junction redesign criticised by some residents is "very unlikely" to have contributed to the only recorded injury collision near the site since it opened, an independent safety audit has concluded.Reading Chronicle · 21 Oct, 16:00
• New report on collisions at California Crossroads after controversial reesignsA CONTROVERSIAL junction redesign criticised by some residents is "very unlikely" to have contributed to the only recorded injury collision near the site since it opened, an independent safety audit has concluded.Bracknell News · 21 Oct, 16:00

In this story: California Crossroads · Finchampstead · Nine Mile Ride · Wokingham Borough Council · WSP

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