A report providing the Committee with an update on progress with the delivery of the current programme of strategic transport schemes in Reading.

The Executive Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report providing an update on the progress with delivery of the current programme of major transport projects in Reading, which were as follows:

·         South Reading Mass Rapid Transit

·         Reading Green Park Station

·         Reading West Station Upgrade

·         Tilehurst Station Upgrade

·         Active Travel Fund Tranche 2 – Shinfield Road

·         Active Travel Fund Tranche 3 – Bath Road

·         Active Travel Capability Fund

·         School Streets Programme

Active Travel Tranche 3 – Bath Road Scheme Concept Designs were attached to the report at Appendix A.

The reported explained that construction works for Reading Green Park Station and multi-modal interchange were now substantially complete and therefore were supported by partners from the railway industry.  The project had entered a period of thorough testing and authorisation prior to the station’s official opening and public use.  The Council was working with Network Rail and GWR to ensure that the station was open as soon as possible which was currently scheduled for early 2023.

With regard to Reading West Station the Council had been notified by GWR of delays to the opening of the Tilehurst Road entrance as there had been drainage issues which had resulted in a three to four week delay and it would now be mid-December 2022 before the works would be complete.  GWR was responsible for informing the public of the delay and this had been raised with them when they had first informed the Council.

Delivery of the Active Travel Tranche 2 Shinfield Road Scheme had commenced on-site and had started initially at the University/Christchurch Green end of the route by the Council’s in-house Highways delivery team.  However, the report stated that it should be noted that due to resource limitation a degree of sub-contracting would be required in order to deliver that scheme.  The degree of external support would be reviewed on an on-going basis during the scheme delivery phase.  The next scheme would be on Bath Road and a further consultation for the scheme had been carried out between 7 July and 1 August 2022 and had included a drop-in event.  The feedback from this, and previous consultations, was currently being used to prepare the detailed designs for the scheme and included elements of the proposals that would need to be taken through a TRO statutory consultation process.  An indicative timeline for delivery of the scheme was set out in the report.

Resolved:

(1)     That the progress made on the delivery of the current programme of strategic transport schemes as outlined in the report be noted;

(2)     That scheme and spend approval for the Active Travel Fund – Tranche 3 scheme, which would provide segregated cycle facilities and pedestrian enhancements on the Bath Road between the town centre and Berkeley Avenue be granted;

(3)     That approval to undertake the necessary procurements to deliver the Active Travel Tranche 3 scheme be granted and the Assistant Director Planning, Transport and Public Protection, in consultation with the Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, Director of Finance and Assistant Director of Legal & Democratic Services granted authority to award any such corresponding contracts be granted.