Construction on Reading Borough Council's South Reading Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Scheme has reached a key milestone with the installation of a 47.5-metre footbridge over the River Kennet.

The operation, carried out on Sunday, 01 December , used two cranes in a tandem lift, one weighing 300 tonnes and the other 350 tonnes, marking significant progress in the £26 million project funded by the Department for Transport.

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The scheme, launched in early 2024 and expected to conclude by late spring 2025, aims to reduce bus congestion and enhance transit services to Kennet Island, Green Park, and Mereoak Park & Ride. By bypassing bottlenecks on the A33, the project promises faster and more reliable bus travel while improving connections to Reading Link Retail Park and other businesses near the Rose Kiln Lane (North) junction.

The new infrastructure also benefits pedestrians and cyclists with improved pathways and facilities, aligning with the goals of Reading’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). Once completed, the South Reading BRT Scheme is expected to deliver smoother commutes, better access to local amenities, and a more sustainable transportation network.