Work due to begin on controversial Reading bus lane

London Road heading inbound towards the town centre from East Reading and Woodley currently has two traffic lanes open to drivers.

However, that will soon change, with the leftmost lane being turned into a bus lane.

The project has proven controversial, with 122 people objecting to the change during a public consultation.

However, councillors for Reading Borough Council's Labour administration have argued the change will lead to faster and more reliable journeys for passengers travelling towards town by bus.

The project is due to begin on the bus lane on Monday, August 12.

The works will require three overnight closures between 7pm to 1am of London Road in both directions on  August 12, 13 & 14 before the new bus lane formally comes into effect on Thursday, August 15.

A locally signed diversion will be in place via the A3290, Winnersh Triangle junction and Wokingham Road.

The project involves resurfacing and lining works.

The approved design to make one of the existing traffic lanes in London Road, Reading into a bus lane. Credit: WSP

A spokesperson for the council said the work has been planned to take place during the summer holidays to minimise disruption and avoid Reading Festival traffic.

It has also been timed to coincide with the launch of the expanded 500 Winnersh Park and Ride service being introduced from Monday, August 19.

Opposition councillors voted against the project when it was approved back in January.

Speaking on a report providing an update on the project, councillor Kathryn McCann (Green, Redlands) raised fears that traffic queues will double in size as drivers have less space.

READ MORE: Dramatic debate held over new bus lanes coming to Reading

Addressing these concerns, the council has acknowledged that changes to the road network will lead to longer queues for general traffic which have been described as 'unavoidable' even with possible mitigation measures.

The bus lane is one of six being established as part of the council's bus service improvement plan, a £26 million programme that received funding from the government.

The council has argued that the longer-term results of implementing the bus lanes will benefit Reading residents, contributing to the aim of achieving net zero carbon by 2030.

READ MORE: New bus lanes coming to Reading roads explained 

John Ennis (Labour, Southcote) lead councillor for climate strategy and transport said: “Transport accounts for about 20 per cent of all carbon emissions in Reading and poor air quality is directly related to diseases such as cancer, asthma and heart disease, and can affect our most vulnerable residents.

“The new bus lanes are part of the Council’s much wider transport strategy to encourage greater use of public transport as well as cycling and walking.

“Faster, more reliable and more frequent bus services will make public transport an even more attractive option to people travelling to Reading and around the borough, and will lead to less traffic, cleaner air and better health for residents.

“With £26 million central government funding, we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to make significant changes to our transport infrastructure and provide credible, sustainable transport alternatives.

If we do nothing, car usage will continue to grow, creating ever more congestion and air pollution and damaging the health of Reading residents.”