READING Borough Council has begun work to update a footbridge through a park in town to make it wider and more accessible.
The wooden bridge in Kings Meadow is set to be closed for more than three months as efforts to overhaul the deteriorating structure get underway.
The current bridge, which connects the path over an outlet into the Thames, is around 2m wide and made of wood.
Plans will see it replaced with a more robust polymer structure reinforced with glass-fibre supports and a concrete retaining wall on the southwest side.
The new bridge will also be twice as wide as the original, at around 4.5m, giving more space for both pedestrian and cycling thoroughfare.
The footbridge is set to be closed for 13 weeks while the works are undertaken.
It is part of a continued programme of upkeep for bridges in Reading which saw the centenary celebrations of Reading Bridge back in October last year.
It will also see the refurbishment of the Orbit footbridge behind the car park on Queens Road and High Bridge, in Duke Street.
Sam Shean, Highways & Traffic Services Manager at Reading Borough Council, said:
“This is a really important upgrade for Reading, as the King’s Meadow footbridge is a key link in our pedestrian and cycle network to encourage healthier ways to travel around Reading. The new bridge will be much more resident-friendly as it is more than double the width of the old one, and is being built from the most durable, modern materials.
“This is part of an ongoing programme of work to keep Reading’s bridges and structures in good condition, that will also see Orbit Footbridge and High Bridge refurbished this year.
“We know that these works will cause some temporary short-term inconvenience, and thank residents in advance for their cooperation and understanding while this important work takes place.”
