CAVERSHAM-bound cars and buses are being forced to drive into oncoming traffic this morning because barriers on Reading Bridge have again been pushed over.

The footpath on the western side of the bridge is being protected by a temporary barrier as work continues to strengthen the almost century-old structure.

The other footpath is completely closed as workman continue to reinforce the structure and replace the pavement.

This morning almost the entire length of the barriers have been pushed over into the single lane for traffic going from Reading to Caversham.

It means vehicles, including buses, are having to go partially into the middle lane for traffic travelling the opposite way.

The barrier, a series of plastic segments filed with water, has been pushed over previously, but only onto the pavement which meant pedestrians had to walk in the road.

Reading Chronicle:

  • The barriers pushed onto the pavement on Friday, July 24.

The plastic barriers are half filled with water to weigh them down.

Before today's incident a spokesman for Reading Borough Council blamed vandals.

He said: "Unfortunately the barriers on Reading Bridge have been pushed over on several occasions by vandals.

"The barriers are being weighed down to make uit more difficult and we will continue to look at other ways to prevent this happening.

"The barriers are in position as a safety measure and their moving them puts road users in danger. We would ask anyone who spots this sort of vandalism to report it either to the Council or to police.”

Follow the live traffic information for more information about the rush hour this morning.