READING Borough Council’s planned improvement works to Shinfield Road are set to begin in October.
From Monday, October 3, work will begin as Reading Borough Council sets about providing new cycle routes and updates to markings and restrictions along the road in the first phase of improvements.
A new cycling route will be created between Shinfield Rise and Christchurch Green will link south Reading to the Royal Berkshire Hospital, the University of Reading, and Reading Town Centre.
It is intended to link existing cycle routes installed by the council on Redlands Road and Christchurch Road during the first stage of their Active Travel programme.
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 will take place in phases so as to minimise disruption, beginning at Christchurch Green and working down towards Shinfield Rise in stages.
The first phase of works will consist of improvements to Chancellor’s Way junction to Pepper Lane, the junction of Queens Drive to Chancellor’s Way, and the route from Christchurch Road to Queens Drive.
Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for strategic environment, planning and transport, Tony Page, said: “I’m delighted we are now in a position to announce a start date for the Council’s work to introduce a fully segregated new cycle lane along the Shinfield Road.
“This was the clear choice of nearly 1,000 respondents to our initial consultation in early 2021.
“The proposed two-way cycle lane will link to key centres of employment in Reading, such as the Royal Berkshire Hospital, The University and, of course, the Town Centre itself.”
As part of its wider Climate Emergency Strategy, Cllr Page said that the works: “underline 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.
“This excellent news comes in the wake of our plans to implement further cycling and walking improvements stretching from Berkeley Avenue along the Bath Road to Castle Hill, then running over the IDR to Castle Street, as well as our recent decision to make permanent the fully segregated cycle lane along Sidmouth Street.”
Cllr Page concluded: “We have also achieved significant improvements in other areas, including the routes on Redlands Road and Christchurch Road, delivered as part of the first phase of funding.”
Works are part of a greater initiative intended to provide improved cycling, walking, and public transport routes through Reading, including dedicated cycle lanes segregated from road traffic.
For full details of the planned works, visit: www.reading.gov.uk
