Reading’s new foot and cycle bridge opens today

Structure creates an accessible route into town for thousands and a boost to the local community and future development.

A landmark new bridge opening in Reading today will create an accessible route into the town centre for thousands of pedestrians and cyclists; making travel in the town more sustainable and facilitating residential and commercial development to accommodate its rapidly growing population.

The Reading Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge is the result of collaboration between engineers from Peter Brett Associates and Design Engine Architects.

The 123m cable stay bridge will play a vital role in the connectivity of Reading, forming a key part of a sustainable transport link between the town’s northern residential areas, the Reading Station transport hub and the town centre that will help to improve accessibility and support economic growth.  The project is part of a wider strategy and long-term vision for the continuing regeneration of Reading Town Centre, and one of a number financed through the Department for Transport’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund.

PBA worked with Design Engine to produce a unique design solution tailored to a confined site, with built-in adaptability for potential future extensions. The bridge, built by Balfour Beatty and Hollandia, ranges in width from 3.5m-6.75 m. Its eight sections of slim steel decking are supported by 14 pairs of cables; while its 39m mast has helped to create a landmark structure that is visible from Reading Station and other key vantage points in the town. Other unique features include an LED lighting scheme, creating an addition to the night-time landscape that is both practical and eye-catching.

“This has been a striking flagship project for Peter Brett Associates in our 50th year of operation, and we are proud to play such an important role in developing Reading’s infrastructure, as well as promoting low-carbon forms of travel,” said PBA Partner Scott Witchalls. “We hope that the new bridge is something that the local community will enjoy for years to come.” 

PBA is involved in a number of ongoing development projects across Reading, including a new train station at Green Park Business Park, major regeneration schemes at Station Hill, Thames Tower and One Central, and redevelopment of the Civic Centre site, comprising the town’s former council offices and car parks.

Take a look at the video to see more of the bridge.