A PROPOSED bridge over the Thames in Reading could impact heavily on Oxfordshire traffic, South Oxfordshire District Council warned.

The district council, Oxfordshire County Council, and Wokingham and Reading borough councils have pledged £250,000 to a feasibility survey.

The study would look at whether a third bridge over the River Thames in the area would ease congestion in Reading.

Our top stories

But in a statement, South Oxfordshire District Council said: “We are mindful of the potential negative impact that a scheme such as an additional bridge could have on the road network within South Oxfordshire.

“However, we are committed to working with neighbouring authorities to identify solutions which may ease the traffic problems.’’ The idea for a new bridge has been circulating for about 40 years. Wokingham Borough Council leader Keith Baker said a new bridge over the Thames into Oxfordshire would be the only long-term solution for easing congestion around Reading and Wokingham.

Mr Baker said: “We’ve had an extensive traffic model for our area but what we didn’t have was [a model] going across the river into Oxfordshire. That hopefully will give us the definitive evidence to start mitigating against some of the issues that Oxfordshire County Council have.’’

The bridge and road alterations could cost between £60m and £100m and would require Government funding.



Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.