WORKS to refurbish a footbridge in central Reading are set to begin next week, Reading Borough Council has announced.
Efforts to improve Kenavon Footbridge are going ahead from Monday, July 28, and are planned to have concluded by Tuesday, August 5.
The steel structure, which spans the River Kennet near to where it merges with the River Thames, is set to benefit from resurfacing necessary due to significant damage over time.
This has led to large, worn-out areas of exposed steel deck, which can be a danger to pedestrians and cyclists, particularly during winter months.
The refurbishment has been funded through a portion of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) whereby ward Councillors can determine projects to be undertaken.
CIL sees developers pay a levy on new development to fund local improvements to infrastructure and facilities, allowing councils to deliver improvements that matter for residents.
It comes weeks after the start of long-expected works on the Orbit Footbridge behind Queens Road Car Park.
The council has invested £4m over two-years on bridges and other structures around Reading.
This investment includes the replacement last summer of the King’s Meadow footbridge to a wider, modern structure to benefit pedestrians and cyclists, and, more recently, vital repair work to High Bridge to restore the deteriorating parapets of the 18th century scheduled ancient monument structure.
Work is also under way currently to refurbish the Orbit Footbridge by Queen’s Road car park, which is scheduled to reopen in late October.
Karen Rowland, Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety, said:
“We’re fortunate to have the River Kennet running through Reading, and the Kenavon Footbridge is an important crossing point linking both sides of that waterway for pedestrians and cyclists.
“We’re focused on ensuring users of the footbridge can do so safely, and a closure of eight days will improve it and enhance safety for years to come for them.
“With improvements to High Bridge and the King’s Meadow footbridge in the last year, and the existing work that will see Orbit Footbridge reopen later this year, we’re making loads of improvements to ensure our residents can get around the town easily and sustainably by foot or by bike.”
