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.

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.”

(Pic: Reading Borough Council)