£9.6m investment for Reading Station access improvements

Improvements to include bus priority measures and safe and secure step-free pedestrian access

The Department for Transport is prepared to invest £9.6m towards a £13m scheme to improve Reading Station access.

This follows work by Reading Borough Council to reduce scheme costs, resulting in a saving of 36 per cent and increase contributions from private developers.

The council will now invite tenders for the works with a view to seeking final approval from the Department in the summer of 2011.

Following a further review of the scheme by the Council, the improvements include new multi-modal interchanges including direct access to the new northern and south-western station entrances and safe, secure and step-free pedestrian access.

Also, bus priority measures, new and improved walking and cycling routes to the new interchanges, significantly increased secure cycle parking provision and a new junction providing access to the new northern entrance.

The funding comes in addition to a £850m rebuilding programme for the station, allowing significant improvements to train services, including electrification of the line between London and Oxford and Newbury.

Local Transport Minster Norman Baker MP said: "The scheme will improve access to the station, allowing passengers to enjoy the full benefits being delivered by the wider programme of works to redevelop Reading station and the associated significant improvement in train services."

Further information:
Department for Transport