A CONSULTATION has just closed into a new zebra crossing for a road that houses a busy school.
Last September, councillors agreed to the white-striped road project, with the money coming from the Active Travel Fund.
Parents have been pushing for a pedestrian crossing for years in Upper Redlands Road so pupils can cross the road safely.
It is set to be installed next to its junction with Eastern Avenue helping youngsters attending St Joseph’s College.
It will also benefit students at the University of Reading – there are several halls of residence nearby, and many students live in housing around the area.
The decision to move ahead with the project was made at the council’s traffic management sub-committee meeting on Wednesday, September 13.
Associated changes include removing existing speed cushions, relocating a bus stop to move it closer to St Joseph’s College and moving a 20mph speed marking.
The zebra crossing will cost £83,500, of which £75,000 will come from the government’s Active Travel Fund Tranche 4, and £8,500 coming from private pledges, including from St Joseph’s College and the University of Reading.
The consultation ran until Thursday, February 8, and the results will help shape the final layout for the new crossing.
It was welcomed by Cllr Dave McElroy (Green Party, Redlands Ward), who said: “Greens have been working with residents for some time to get this crossing on Upper Redlands Road.
“It will improve road safety at the school and for students crossing over to halls of residence. We will keep up the pressure on road safety all across town.
“This includes getting council to follow through on their commitment to remove the dangerous build out at the Allcroft and Redlands Road intersection and finally do something about the terrible accident record for Kings Road.”
Additional reporting: James Aldridge, local democracy reporter
