Bid to the Transport Innovation Fund for a Third Bridge

The Council's agreed response to the Independent Transport Commission is now in the public domain. It appears that there is now some consensus emerging between Reading and neighbouring authorities on a sub-regional approach across the Greater Reading urban area which should form the basis of an application to the Transport Innovation Fund in 2009.

A critical element of this work is the promotion of a third Thames Crossing. The site under consideration is outside the Reading Borough and to date, a lack of agreement between neighbouring authorities has been an apparently insuperable barrier to progress. Rural areas have been anxious to avoid additional traffic on rural lanes and damage to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, while parishes such as Whitchurch and Sonning are keen to see progress to relieve the pressures on smaller bridges. Although long, it may be useful to reproduce the statement from Reading Borough Council.

"We strongly support a third river crossing provided it is seen in the context of improving and managing local traffic flows in the Greater Reading Area. It will be essential therefore to include Oxfordshire County Council, South Oxfordshire District Council, Wokingham Borough Council, and relevant parishes in the continuing discussions to ensure that the new bridge is not used in any way as a precursor to extending the national motorway network. We are committed to ensuring an excellent design for the new crossing, which recognises the sensitive environmental location and maximises opportunities for improving local public transport and cycling opportunities. This is a very high priority for the Borough and we wish to see an early timetable for commencing work on a third river crossing."

This has always been an important issue for Caversham and we shall keep you informed of any developments.