WORK IS due to begin once again on repairing the Orbit Footbridge in central Reading, Reading Borough Council has announced.
The footbridge, located behind Queens Road car park, has been temporarily closed since December for safety reasons.
It is now scheduled to reopen again in late October following 16 weeks of essential maintenance.
Works will include replacement of the existing timber deck boards with new glass reinforced polymer and the repainting of the steel footbridge and parapets.
It comes after nearly £500,000 of investment from the annual Department for Transport Bridges & Carriageway Highway Maintenance Award.
The council has also invested £4m over two-years on bridges and other structures around the town, including the replacement of the King’s Meadow footbridge last summer and repair work to High Bridge.
To carry out works safely and efficiently, the Orbit footbridge will remain closed to pedestrians with the existing diversion route remaining in place.
Residents are instead encouraged to use well-lit public highway routes such as Duke Street as an alternative.
Water traffic on the River Kennet will be able to operate at all times during the works, as the contractor will work on half of the bridge at any one time, keeping half of the waterway open for river traffic.
Karen Rowland, Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety, said:
“I’m pleased that we’re now able to go ahead with this important refurbishment and repair work to the Orbit Footbridge.
“The safety of our residents is paramount, and this is a pleasant route used frequently by residents from the south and students from the University of Reading to access the town centre on foot.
“Whilst the closure has been necessary, I’d still like to thank residents for their patience and understanding during this time”.
She explained: “A lot of time, effort and investment goes into keeping Reading’s bridges in good order for all users.
“I’m looking forward to this project’s conclusion in October to reinstate another important crossing to enable residents to get around the town easily on foot.”
