A CONTROVERSIAL bridge over the River Thames, linking rural South Oxfordshire to Reading, could get £800,000 worth of funding by early 2020.

Transport for South East, which plans strategic transport across the region, has submitted a £800,000 bid to the Government after prioritising the crossing.

Oxfordshire County Council and South Oxfordshire District Council have both opposed plans for the bridge, until measures to counter its impact on Oxfordshire’s road network are made clear.

ALSO READ: Didcot roads could be improved by £218million fund

However, Reading, Wokingham and Bracknell councils all support the bridge, which would run across the river from Thames Valley business park near Reading to land near Play Hatch, in South Oxfordshire.

Herald Series:

Google Maps

The Department for Transport could respond to the bid as soon as the end of this year, but it may take until early 2020, according to Reading Borough councillor Tony Page.

He said: “It is really depressing that OCC don’t recognise the substantial flows of traffic from places such as Sonning and Henley into and through Reading.

“They have a responsibility to the people who live in South Oxfordshire."

He said the bridge is 'essential.' 

ALSO READ: Culham Thames bridge and Didcot road plans go on show

It is being referred to as the third Thames bridge as there are already two Thames bridges in Reading for vehicles - Caversham Bridge and Reading Bridge. 

In 2015, the third Thames bridge was estimated to cost at least £110 million.

If the bid to is successful, it would be conditional on local authorities contributing 15 per cent of the funding.

Council representatives discussed the project with MPs Matt Rodda, Theresa May and John Howell on Friday, October 18.

Mr Page said: “It was a positive meeting. Theresa May was very positive as she always has been about the need and benefits of a third Thames bridge.

“I was disappointed by the initial opposition from the Oxfordshire councils.

“SODC is now much more engaged. They recognise there is a serious problem that needs to be addressed and affects their residents.

“Unlike OCC, who still seem to believe no one in Oxfordshire goes to Reading at all.”

ALSO READ: Culham bridge will be first 'attractive' crossing for cyclists

Both councils backed motions opposing a bridge for cars – they believe the bridge should be just for public transport, cycling and walking.

If a car-based solution is pursued, the councils say mitigation measures to improve the Oxfordshire road network should be costed and specified beforehand.

Last year, Oxfordshire County Council revealed it was bidding for Government funding to spend up to £100m on a new Thames bridge at Culham.