READING Borough Council has reopened the underpass at Reading Station following months of restorative work.
The underpass, which is a vital route for pedestrians crossing the train station, has been closed for 14 weeks while refurbishment works got underway.
The underpass has now reopened in time for use by visitors during Reading Festival this weekend, and is open to cyclists for the first time.
As well as restorative efforts, the council has also given the underpass a steam clean and repainted the route lines.
The joint venture delivering the Station Hill development provided a contribution to fund the underpass upgrade through its original planning agreement with Reading Borough Council.
Karen Rowland, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety, said: “Station underpass users will be delighted to hear that this crucial access route is back open.
“I’m pleased we’ve been able to deliver this important and extensive project on budget and on schedule, in time for this week’s Reading Festival.
“The refurbished underpass is a significantly more welcoming and refreshed route for all parties in facilitating both sides of the station.”
She added: “I’m really happy we’ve been able to respond to the long-desired wishes of so many residents to open up the subway for cyclists.
“This vital change has now delivered another key strategic cycle route through the town, linking Christchurch Bridge and the Caversham side of Reading Station directly to Reading’s vibrant Town Centre.
“Thank you to all residents for their patience whilst we made these improvements. I do hope you’ll enjoy the difference next time you use the subway and agree that the inconvenience was worth the wait in the end”.
John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, said: “The station underpass may cover a relatively short distance but it will make a big difference to cyclists travelling between Christchurch Bridge and the Caversham side of the station, and the town centre.
“This is part of the Council’s aim to link up cycle paths wherever possible to create a comprehensive cycle network across the borough and beyond.
“Making cycling and walking around Reading easier, safer and more attractive is vital to encourage more people to choose active travel, and in turn reduce carbon emissions and improve the health and wellbeing of residents.”
The joint venture delivering the Station Hill development provided a contribution to fund the underpass upgrade through its original planning agreement with Reading Borough Council.
A spokesperson on behalf of the joint venture delivering the Station Hill development in Reading, said: “It’s great to hear that the Council has been able to use funding provided by the Station Hill development to help upgrade the underpass beneath Reading station for both pedestrians and cyclists alike.
“Looking ahead to the completion of works to deliver the ONE Station Hill office scheme and the associated public realm later this year, the upgrade delivered by the Council hopefully offers a significantly enhanced north-south route for anyone wishing to visit Station Hill and the central Reading area in the future.”
