Improvement work has started to enhance cycling and walking along the Shinfield Road in Reading.

This will see the delivery of a new cycle route along Shinfield Road – between Christchurch Green and Shinfield Rise and will link south Reading and the Royal Berkshire Hospital, the University of Reading, local centres and Reading Town Centre. It links with existing new cycle routes delivered by the Council on Redlands Road and Christchurch Road in the first stage of its Active Travel programme.

The improvements also include the provision of no waiting restrictions (double yellow lines) on Shinfield Road along the route, which should address the parking issues being experienced particularly near the University.

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New advanced stop lines and early release for cyclists will be provided to improve safety. A number of new and improved crossings for pedestrians are also a key element of the scheme.

In order to minimise disruption and improve the delivery of the scheme, it will be constructed in phases starting at the Christchurch Green end at the junction with Elmhurst Road and Redlands Road and working out of the borough down to Shinfield Rise.

The first phase of works, starting this autumn, will be split into three sections:

• Chancellor's Way junction to Pepper Lane

• Junction of Queens Drive to Chancellor’s Way

• Christchurch Road to Queens Drive.

During the works pedestrian routes will be maintained at all times, either via a diversion of the existing pathway around the construction works or with crossings to an alternative footpath on the other side of the highway.

The Council will also work closely with residents and local businesses to minimise any disruption.