A PROJECT to shore up a much-used footpath by Reading’s waterways is to be paused for Christmas – and pedestrians welcomed again.
In September, Reading Borough Council announced a £720,000 project to strengthen and stabilise the Kennetside retaining wall structures.
It was meant to be a three-month towpath closure between the Kenavon Footbridge, near Cholmeley Road, running along the Kennetside to the Horseshoe Footbridge, where the Kennet meets the Thames.
The work sees timber elements of the walls removed and the filling of voids created as a result of the wood rotting away.
A second part of the project will see the existing guardrail will be replaced around The Jolly Anglers pub with a taller equivalent installed to match the style of the guardrail between Kings Bridge and Blakes Lock.
Work was due to be completed by Friday, December 22.
This end date has been delayed partly due to a retaining wall collapsing and partly due to a contractor going bust. While Volker Laser, which is undertaking the repairs, is unaffected, the firm producing the new railings has gone under.
The footpath is used by Newtown residents to get to Thames Valley Park and Kings Meadow. Long diversions are in place as a result. The closures have been made worse by works on the A3290 sliproad at Suttons Seeds roundabout, with all traffic including pedestrians, prohibited from using the roads and footpaths while the works are in place.
However, this will be lifted for the festive season and Newtown residents will be able to walk to Tesco and get their Christmas shopping.
A spokesperson for Reading Borough Council said: “The canal path will be reopened by December 22, and remain open for the entire Christmas and New Year period to ensure ease of access for residents throughout the holiday period.
“However, due to the collapse of a section of retaining wall, which will require additional strengthening, the path will need to be closed again in the new year to complete this complex additional work which requires sheet piling.
“The installation of bespoke guardrail will also be installed at this time. We will endeavour to complete the works, which may run into March, as quickly as possible.”
They added: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the works, but the safety of our residents remains our primary concern along with ensuring we safeguard the future of this vital pedestrian and cycle route into Reading.
“The recent collapse has only highlighted just how essential it is that we continue the programme of retaining wall strengthening to keep Kennetside safe and accessible in the long term for all users.”
