Main route to shut as new bridge lifted into place

The two sections of the 154ft (47m) long bridge are being lifted into place by two cranes

A main route in Reading is due to close overnight to allow a new bridge to be lifted into place.

The 154ft (47m) long and 16ft (5m) wide pedestrian and cycle bridge is being put in over the River Kennet.

Placing the bridge in position means shutting the A33 relief road between Bennet Road and the IDR (A329) from 18:00 GMT on Saturday until 09:00 on Sunday.

A signed diversion will be in place via Bennet Road.

The 53-tonne bridge has been transported to the site in two sections and two cranes will lift the structure into place.

Reading Borough Council said the bridge will allow an extension of the bus lane without taking space away from general traffic.

John Ennis, the authority's climate strategy and transport lead, said: "Overall, this project will provide even quicker and more reliable journeys for bus passengers travelling between south Reading and the town centre."

He said it will improve access to shops and businesses which were previously hard to reach by public transport.

The bridge is part of the South Reading Bus Rapid Transit scheme, paid for with £26m of funding from the Department for Transport.