A new pedestrian and cycle bridge in Reading will be lifted into place this weekend.

The 53-tonne, 47-metre-long, and 5-metre-wide bridge will be installed over the River Kennet as part of the South Reading Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme.

The installation will take place over two weekends, with the A33 Relief Road being closed overnight on Saturday, November 23 and Saturday, November 30.

Principal contractors GRAHAM will manage the installation, after the bridge is transported to the site in two sections, which will be bolted together on temporary supports before being lifted into place by two cranes.

The bridge's installation is a key part of the fifth phase of the South Reading BRT scheme, which has been ongoing since March.

The project aims to help buses on the A33 bypass traffic congestion, thereby improving services to Kennet Island, Green Park, and Mereoak Park and Ride.

Crucially, the bridge will allow an extension of the bus lane without taking space away from general traffic.

Councillor John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, described the installation of the bridge as an 'exciting milestone'.

He stated, "The new bridge will provide cyclists and pedestrians with better infrastructure and create space for an extended bus lane without taking away any carriageway from general traffic.

"Overall, this project will provide even quicker and more reliable journeys for bus passengers travelling between south Reading and the town centre.

"It will also improve access to shops and businesses which were previously hard to reach by public transport.

"The work will inevitably cause some disruption and I would like to thank road users for their patience."

The South Reading BRT scheme is part of Reading's Bus Service Improvement Plan.

It secured £26 million in funding from the Department for Transport and links with previous bus priority schemes on the A33.

These improvements will help provide fast and reliable journeys for park-and-ride and other bus services.

The scheme aims to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and enhance the health and wellbeing of Reading residents by encouraging the use of public transport, cycling, and walking.

The new bridge, which will be installed this weekend, is an integral part of this project, providing better infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.

The project is anticipated to be completed by spring 2025.

During the bridge installation, the A33 between Bennet Road and the IDR (A329) will be closed from 6pm to 9am on the specified dates.

A signed diversion route will be provided for motorists.

This new development in Reading's transport infrastructure highlights an ongoing commitment to enhancing public transport and promoting sustainable means of travel.