Residents have expressed annoyance at planned building works that will affect a congested area of the town for potentially up to a year.

Reading’s Bus Rapid Transport program started on March 18 with improvements made to Rose Kiln Lane North junction.

Contractors have told the public that they will carry out ‘major disruption works’ during the off-peak hours of 9:30 am to 3:30 pm and overnight between 8:00 pm and 6:00 am.

New bus lanes will be added to the north and south of the junction to link with the existing bus lane, and additional bus stops providing improved access to Reading Link Retail Park and other nearby businesses.

The highway and junction improvements will be made to the A33 from the south of Berkeley Avenue to the north of Island Road.

During the next 12 months, they will be widening the carriageway to accommodate the new bus lane, making improvements to the footways, and constructing a new bridge over the Kennet.

They have also said that there may be instances where a weekend closure is necessary, but that they will provide a warning in advance if this occurs.

Although the council has informed the public that this phase is designed to avoid current pinch points and help to further improve bus services, residents have expressed open disdain at the likelihood of road delays.

Stuart Creasy posted along with details of the works “To those who use Rose kiln lane, A33, 12 months of hell to come. Apparently, the increase in council tax this year is helping fund the project.”

Another person responded “Why are they always making changes to the A33? Should’ve been planned properly in the first place. They must have spent a fortune on it in the last few years.”

In agreement with the previous comment, a further user said “So rather than doing this the money would be better spent repairing the existing roads.”

The Council is also keen to see the expansion of services from the Winnersh Triangle Park and Ride and to work with neighbouring local authorities to create more park and ride routes to the town centre, as detailed in the Reading Transport Strategy 2040.

Encouraging the use of public transport through improved bus services is part of the Council’s aims to reduce air pollution and for Reading to become carbon net zero by 2030

Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport Cllr John Ennis said that there will inevitably be some disruption while the work is carried out and he thanks road users in advance for their patience.

“The latest phase of the South Reading Bus Rapid Transit scheme is another step towards providing a seamless link between Mereoak Park and Ride and Reading town centre.

“The sections of the project are linking up to provide even quicker and more reliable journeys for passengers travelling between south Reading and the town, and they are great value.”