Never been happier to see road closures! Cow Lane bridges update

Lots of things make me happy.  My family and friends, a really good curry, prosecco, getting through a body pump class without having to stop once and a beautiful clear and frosty day.  This week a new thing was added to my list - road closures.  Not just any road closure but ones that allow the final stage of the Cow Lane Bridge widening to be completed!!!!!

Cllr Gul Khan, Cllr Chris Maskell and the MP for Reading West Martin Salter from 2008 when the current plans were approved.

The Cow Lane Bridges project has been going for a loooooooong time (see more here).  It would have been done by now if it hadn't been for an objection to a compulsory purchase order (which was withdrawn!).  Reading Labour have been fighting for it's completion for years and the end is now in sight.

From 2013 when the first bridge was put in place

Since the original plans were drawn up I have ensured the addition of a dedicated cycle and pedestrian path under the bridges so all road users can use the road safely.  Network Rail are beginning the works and they should be completed before the Reading Festival next year.  I know closures are inconvenient but the results should be worth it.

•  3 to 6 November 2017 between 20:00 to 06:00 
• 10 to 13 November 2017 between 20:00 to 06:00 (contingency) 
• 6 to 9 July 2018 between 20:00 to 06:00
• 13 to 16 July 2018 between 20:00 to 06:00 (contingency)
• 14 to 17 September 2018 between 20:00 to 06:00

A signed diversion route will be in place throughout the weekend closures and a pedestrian diversion will be in place as required to accommodate the works and maintain all  users safety.