Rail station footbridge opens after 10-year delay

An accessible rail station footbridge has opened after a 10-year delay due to funding issues.

The plan to build the new bridge at Theale station in West Berkshire was first announced in 2013.

This is the first time wheelchair users will be able to navigate the station since it opened in 1847.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: "We appreciate the delay has been frustrating for people who use the station and we'd like to thank them for their patience."

The £9.5m project was deferred twice because the specific requirements of Theale station meant there was not sufficient funding in place.

The average footbridge costs between £3m and £5m, according to Network Rail.

The rail operator said Theale station had three tracks and four platforms, and it was a very busy station for freight in particular, which means the opportunities to do work while trains were not running was limited.

The extra width of the tracks also meant a longer span across the railway and more difficult construction.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: "The scheme was delayed in its early stages owing to funding requirements.

"The completion of the project and opening of the lifts were delayed by a number of issues, including the rigorous fire safety process and the telecoms installation for the lifts both taking longer than expected."

Labour MP for Reading West and Mid Berkshire Olivia Bailey said: "I am pleased that this work has finally been completed.

"It is simply not good enough that this project has taken so long."

She added that "crucial improvements" should not become "bogged down in bureaucracy".

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