The announcement by Network Rail that the infamous Cow Lane Bridge traffic bottleneck can be solved without removing either the allotments or blocking off pedestrian and cycle access has been welcomed by local MP, Martin Salter.

Originally, as part of the planned Reading Station upgrade, the Cow Lane Bridges were set to be closed with an alternative road built north of the railway line from Scours Lane to Richfield Avenue. Last November Mr Salter wrote to the Chief Executive of Network Rail pressing for the bridges to be kept open to cyclists and pedestrians to allow access across the railway line. Together with Battle Ward councillors, Mr Salter collected signatures on a petition earlier this year pressing for access to remain open via a cycle and pedestrian bridge. This followed strong lobbying by the Reading Cycle Campaign. Mr Salter was due to present the petition in Parliament next month.

Network Rail is now set to provide a new rail flyover which will see the raising and widening of both the Cow Lane Bridges to allow for two-way traffic including buses and lorry access along with segregated cycle and pedestrian routes.

Martin Salter MP said:

“Whilst I welcomed the proposed new route around the Cow Lane Bridges it created a whole set of new problems which the widening of the bridges avoids. At the end of the day all I want is to see the end of this dreadful traffic bottleneck without blocking off cycle and pedestrian routes to Richfield Ave and Caversham for people in the Oxford Road area. The new plans are a win-win and will have strong local support.”