Reading Bridge on target to reopen on Monday as planned

Motorists have been given advanced warning of the Reading Bridge closure

Reading Bridge is on target to reopen on Monday, with "necessary" work on the structure set to be completed on time.

The bridge is the town's main River Thames crossing and has been shut for strengthening, resurfacing and waterproofing.

Its closure last Monday for two weeks has caused disruption across the town.

Reading Borough Council said work was due to finish on Sunday and it aimed to reopen the bridge "ready for the Monday morning commute".

The work has left Caversham Bridge as the only crossing point across the Thames in the town.

The 92-year-old bridge connects Caversham to Reading town centre

Council leader Jo Lovelock said: "It has had an effect of course; you can't do anything like this without creating disruption.

"We always knew last week was likely to be worse than this week because this week is half-term."

In a bid to ease traffic problems, extra and discounted bus services have been provided on a number of routes between Caversham and Reading town centre during the closure.

Residents have faced having to find alternative routes, while an expectant mother told BBC News the closure had forced her to change hospitals for giving birth.

For more information on the closure, visit BBC Radio Berkshire's dedicated information page.