Planning permission for a new pedestrian and cycle crossing of the River Thames has been granted by Reading Borough Council.

The new bridge, designed by engineer Peter Brett Associates and architect Design Engine, will be built to the east of Fry’s Island, between the existing Caversham and Reading road bridges.

The bridge will lead to the town centre and Reading's redeveloped railway station, which plans to double the amount of cycle storage on site. The new bridge is due to open in the summer of 2015.

Reading's lead councilor for planning and transport Tony Page said: "This bridge underlines our commitment to strengthen north/south links across the Thames and should encourage many more pedestrians and cyclists to use an attractive and safer route into and from the town centre."

The bridge design incorporates a single masted cabled stayed structure. The deck will be supported by paired cables which reach the top of the mast in a vertical 'fan' formation, letting the mast remain as thin as possible.

Balustrades have been designed to provide a good level of safety for cyclists and a lower handrail for pedestrians. Light Emitting Diodes will illuminate the deck at night.

The bridge will be paid for from Reading Borough Council’s successful bid for £20.7M from the Local Sustainable Transport Fund.

An associated bicycle hire scheme featuring 29 hire stations hosting 200 bicycles is to be launched by the council next spring.

(Image: Design Engine)

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