Train station underpass to close for refurbishment

The work is expected to last until August

Work to refurbish an underpass below a busy train station is set to begin.

The refurbishment of the underpass below Reading Station is expected to cost £400,000.

The project will see the removal of regularly vandalised roof tiles, as well as improvements to surrounding signage.

It will begin at 07:00 BST on 7 May, and is expected to run until 20 August - just in time for Reading Festival.

In order to meet the August bank holiday weekend deadline, the underpass will remain completely closed.

A diversion around the train station will be in place during the works.

Disabled residents will be provided with access directly through Reading Station - which will be available upon request.

While the underpass refurbishment is taking place, it will receive a deep clean, along with repairs and the replacement of any lighting needing attention.

Following the project's completion, a historic cycle ban along the underpass will be removed.

A public consultation carried out last year showed 73% were in favour of removing the ban

Sam Shean, Reading Borough Council’s highways and traffic services manager, said: “The council is pleased to finally be able to start the major refurbishment work which, when complete, promises to offer a significantly more attractive and welcoming route between the two sides of the station.

“Before that however, there will be the obvious inconvenience of a 16-week closure which we had hoped to avoid, but this was ultimately not possible if we are to get the subway open for the Reading Festival."

The project is partially funded by a planning agreement secured by the council as part of the Station Hill development.