Repair works to start on Grade II listed bridge

There will be a single-lane closure on the bridge for 17 weeks, as well as three periods of full night closures

Work to repair a Grade II listed bridge will begin next week.

The work on High Bridge on Duke Street in Reading, Berkshire, will begin on Tuesday 9 July, and is part of a £4m investment in bridges and other structures across the town.

A single-lane closure with temporary traffic lights will be in place throughout the works, with three periods of full night closures.

The work will last 17 weeks, with the bridge set to fully reopen again on Tuesday 5 November.

The 18th century bridge requires work to restore the parapets - the walls alongside the pavements - which have "deteriorated to the point where action must be taken", according to Chris Wheeler, Reading Borough Council's assistant director for environmental and commercial services.

Temporary scaffolding will be in place during the works.

The full night closures will take place from 21:00 BST to 06:00 between 9 and 12 July, 30 August and 5 September, and 24 to 29 October.

The council said pedestrian and cycle access over the bridge would be maintained at all times, although cyclists would need to dismount and wheel their bikes during the night closures.

Mr Wheeler said: "There will be some short-term inconvenience, which we apologise for, but we hope residents agree it is worth it to keep an important crossing point safe and preserved."