Reading Cow Lane bridge work delayed

The new Cow Lane bridge has already been built on a nearby site

Installation of a new 1,600-tonne bridge in Reading has been delayed.

One of two Cow Lane bridges in Reading was demolished on Christmas Day, with a 66-axle vehicle due to lift a new one into place the following morning.

The lift has been delayed until 18:00 GMT because of water in foundation holes.

About 60 people turned out to watch proceedings from a viewing platform. Cow Lane will be closed until 30 January 2012. Diversions are in place.

Trains are due to start running over the new bridge, made of concrete and steel, on Tuesday once the tracks are replaced.

'Notorious bottleneck'

Replacing the bridge will allow for two lanes of traffic, a cycle lane and a pavement under the narrow barrel arch of the bridge.

It will mean double-decker buses can use the road.

Network Rail project director, Bill Henry, said the bridges were a "notorious bottleneck".

The new bridge structure has been built at a nearby site and is part of the £850m Reading Station redevelopment.