Reading station revamp road works begin

The new look Reading station will have five new platforms

Work to reorganise traffic flows around Reading town centre have begun ahead of a £400m revamp of the railway station.

Reading Borough Council said the work has been planned over four phases to try to minimise disruption.

The first phase in St Mary's Butts will continue until the end of July. It will involve changes to the road layout and installing street furniture.

Phase two of the scheme, in Friar Street West and Station Road, will run from August to mid-September.

Phase three, in Friar Street East and Valpy Street, and phase four, in Station Approach and Blagrave Street, is due to be completed by May 2011.

A drop-in centre will be open throughout the works at 6 Cross Street where people can view plans and ask questions.

Network Rail's improvements to the station include five new platforms and a new station entrance.