Call for train station footbridge to be replaced in Earley

The footbridge at Earley train station runs from the station itself, over the A3290 and into Nightingale Road in Woodley.

It’s a key route between Earley and Woodley, but currently it has no access for disabled people.

There have been calls for the bridge to be replaced and have disabled access.

Matt Rodda, the Labour MP for Reading East has lent his voice to this call in a letter to Network Rail.

It states: “I am writing to ask Network Rail to review its position on the rebuilding of the Earley Station footbridge, which I believe is in urgent need of replacement with a modern bridge with disabled access.

“This issue was raised with you in a recent letter from the chair of the planning committee at Woodley Town Council and has been discussed by other local representatives for some time.

“As you may know, Earley Station serves the towns of Earley and Woodley, which have a large population, many of whom use the railway as commuters and leisure travellers, on the busy line from Reading to London Waterloo.

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“The footbridge is also used by pedestrians crossing the railway and is one of a handful of pedestrian routes crossing the railway line in the area.

“The bridge is also in poor condition and there is no lift, making it inaccessible to disabled people.

“I hope Network Rail will reconsider its position and review its earlier decision given the state of the bridge and its importance to the local community.”

The Earley Station footbridge which goes over the A3290, and is a key walking link between Earley and Woodley. Credit: Google Maps

The issue was recently discussed at a Woodley Town Council planning committee meeting.

Councillor Phillip Wicks (Conservative, Loddon Airfield) explained Wokingham Borough Council is responsible for the bridge, but would require financial assistance to replace it.

The cost of such a project was estimated at around £8 million last year.

At a meeting on September 23, councillors discussed three options: a replacement bridge designed to last for 120 years, providing ramps at the Earley and Woodley sides to provide access to the bridge, or building stairs ad a lift at the Earley side.

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Network Rail’s current position is that it will maintain the bridge rather than replace it.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Every year, Network Rail and operators work with our stakeholders to continually improve and maintain the network.

“We work closely with local town councils to bid for funding and deliver projects in the community.

“Earley station footbridge is scheduled for strengthening by the end of 2028.

“The nature of the work will primarily focus on removing corroded metal from the bridge, strengthening and replacing the main girders (supports), as well as fully repainting the structure.

“We do not currently have any plans to replace the bridge itself.”