Fifth phase of South Reading Bus Rapid Transit scheme opens

Work to further improve public transport links between south Reading and the town centre on the A33 relief road has been completed.

The fifth phase of the South Reading Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme has extended bus lanes, added new bus stops and provided a new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Kennet.

Members of the Reading Cycle Campaign joined councillors and representatives of the main contractors GRAHAM and designers Stantec to celebrate the opening of the scheme on Tuesday (4 November).

The latest phase of the South Reading BRT was designed to allow buses on the A33 to avoid known pinch points and help to further improve bus services on that route to Kennet Island, Green Park and Mereoak Park & Ride.

The scheme has delivered new bus lanes to the north and south of the Rose Kiln Lane (North) junction to link with the existing bus lane, and additional bus stops to provide improved access to Reading Link Retail Park and other nearby businesses.

The new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Kennet, on the west side of the existing road bridge, allowed a bus lane to be installed without taking away any space from general traffic. It also provides improved dedicated cycle and pedestrian routes along the A33.

Weighing 53 tonnes, the 47 metre long and five-metre-wide bridge was transported to the site in two sections and lifted into place over one night.

The South Reading BRT scheme has delivered a series of bus priority measures on the A33 Relief Road between Mereoak Park and Ride and the town centre since the first section opened in 2016.

This has helped improve the reliability and patronage of the Mereoak Park and Ride, which has carried more than 1.4 million passengers since its inception, taking thousands of cars off the road.

The latest phase of the South Reading BRT is part of Reading’s Bus Service Improvement Plan which attracted £26m funding from the Department for Transport.

The scheme supports the Council’s aims of encouraging the use of public transport, cycling and walking to help reduce congestion, improve air quality and improve the health and wellbeing of Reading residents.

Cllr John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, said:

“The completion of this phase of the South Reading Bus Rapid Transit scheme is great news and will mean even quicker and more reliable journeys for bus passengers travelling between south Reading and the town centre.

“It will also improve access to shops and businesses which were previously hard to reach by public transport.

“The new bridge provides cyclists and pedestrians with better infrastructure and has created space for a bus lane without removing any carriageway from general traffic.

“I thank road users for their patience while work took place, but experience shows that previous phases of the South Reading BRT have improved reliability of bus services which has led to higher patronage and taken thousands of cars off our roads.”

“That means less traffic congestion, better air quality and a healthier environment for our residents.”

Andrew Henry, Contracts Director at GRAHAM, said:

“We’re proud to have delivered this important phase of the South Reading Bus Rapid Transit scheme in partnership with Reading Borough Council.

“The new pedestrian and cycle bridge and extended bus lanes will make a real difference to sustainable travel in the area, improving connectivity and supporting the Council’s vision for greener, more accessible transport options.”