Reading New Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge Exhibition

A public exhibition outlining progress being made on Reading’s new pedestrian and cycle bridge is being hosted in Caversham in May, as Reading Borough Council works towards starting construction of the landmark structure in the Autumn.

The exhibition in Caversham Library will be held over two separate days, on Friday May 9th between 1pm and 5pm, and on Tuesday May 13th, between 3pm and 7pm. Residents will be able to drop in where officers will be on hand to talk them through the latest developments on the new bridge over the Thames.

The structure – located to the east of Fry’s Island, between the existing Caversham and Reading Bridges – will provide a key new route for pedestrians and cyclists from Caversham into the town centre and to and from Reading Station. On the northern side it will link to the existing paths running through Christchurch Meadows. To the south it will link to an improved riverside foot and cycle path and connect via Norman Place onto Vastern Road.

When complete, the bridge structure will be approximately 120m long, with a 68m span over the River Thames. The single supporting mast – on the north bank of the River Thames – will be 39m high.

Construction of the bridge will require heavy machinery and building materials being transported onto a temporary construction compound on the far eastern boundary of Christchurch Meadows whilst building works take place. An application for a temporary construction access will be considered by a meeting of the Council’s Planning Applications Committee in June. The public exhibitions on May 9 and 13 are an opportunity for residents to discuss any concerns and ask any questions about the construction phase of the project.