Work is to start on a planned bridges improvements programme in Reading.

The scheme at Cow Lane bridges will remove the current height restriction and the long-standing traffic bottleneck in west Reading by creating a wider road big enough to allow two vehicles to safely pass, as well as allowing the future use of double-deck buses.

Work is due to begin after the August bank holiday weekend. The project is due to be completed before the 2018 Reading Festival at the end of August next year

To carry out the works safely, Cow Lane will close for up to two weekends for demolition works on the old bridge structure. Closures will take place;

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• 03 November at 8pm to 06 November at 5am.

• 10 November at 8pm to 13 November at 5am.

• The second closure is planned in as contingency and may not be needed should the work be completed during the first closure.

Shyam Samani, project manager for Network Rail, said: "I'd like to thank residents and road users in advance for their patience as we undertake this vital work to improve safety and traffic flow in and out of Reading. This construction work can be noisy but residents should be assured that every effort will be made to minimise this throughout the work.

"We've worked closely with Reading Borough Council to agree on an appropriate design and timings in which to complete this work, and we will publish a traffic management plan for road users closer to the date of the closures to advice of safe alternative routes."

Tony Page, Reading Borough Council's Lead Member for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport, added: "When complete in August next year, this will be an important alternative route for lorries, commercial and other traffic which are just passing through west Reading, resulting in a safer and more pleasant local environment for residents and businesses along the Oxford Road."

(LM)