READING Borough Council has announced that the first phase of improvements to a major road are approaching completion.
The first round of improvements to Shinfield Road are almost finished as the council continues works to improve pedestrian and cycling conditions.
Works to the cycle lane between Chancellor’s Way junction and Pepper Lane are soon to be completed after starting work in October last year.
When completed, the improvements will link south Reading and the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, as well as connecting them to the town centre and the university.
Works will also see no waiting restrictions, with double yellow lines, in place along the route to help address parking issues, particularly close to the university.
Advanced stop lines and early release for cyclists will be in place to improve safety, as well as a number of new crossings.
The scheme is taking place in phases so as to minimise disruption, beginning at Christchurch Green and working down towards Shinfield Rise in stages.
Works are currently expected to be completed by the summer.
Councillor Tony Page, Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for climate strategy and transport said: “I’m pleased at the progress we’ve made so far on our work to introduce a fully segregated new cycle lane along the Shinfield Road.
“The segregated cycle lane links to key centres of employment in Reading, such as the Royal Berkshire Hospital, The University and, of course, the Town Centre itself.”
He explained: “As part of our wider Climate Emergency Strategy, this work underlines the Council’s wholehearted commitment to tackling poor air quality which we know exists in parts of Reading.
“It has never been more important to create realistic alternatives to the private car, not only in terms of tackling congestion and air quality but also for the residents and local communities who live on key routes.”
He also explained that the work on the Shinfield Road precedes plans to implement further cycling and walking improvements, which would stretch along Bath Road, from Berkeley Avenue to Castle Hill.
From there, they would continue over the IDR to Castle Street. as well the recent agreement to make the cycle provisions Sidmouth Street permanent.
He said: “We have achieved significant improvements in other areas, including the routes on Redlands Road and Christchurch Road, delivered as part of the first phase of funding.
“We have also just submitted our bid for Tranche 4 funding to the Department for Transport – and we should find out if we’ve been successful by the end of March.
“This funding would then enable us to make improvements at the junction of Sidmouth Street and Queens Road to provide safer cycle links through to Kennet Side.”
For full details of the planned works, visit: www.reading.gov.uk
