WORK on the final phase of a key new cycle route, which will eventually cross Reading and Berkshire, is set to begin next month.

Known as Route 422 on the National Cycle Network, the route will run from its start point in Newbury in the west and on to Ascot in the east via Reading and Wokingham.

The final stage of the project in Reading will see off-road cycle facilities created along the Wokingham Road between Eastern Avenue and the borough boundary on Wilderness Road.

This work is in addition to improvements to the existing on-road cycle route (local route R30).

Together it means the east of Reading will benefit from a mixture of new and improved routes, catering for both experienced and less confident cyclists.

The route will link to phase two of the Route 422 scheme, via existing off-carriageway cycle facilities at Cemetery Junction and along London Road.

It will also connect to the Wokingham Borough section of the NCN 422 once complete, and to existing local cycle routes R20 and R3.

Members approved spending on the scheme at the council’s Strategic Environment Planning and Transport Committee in November 2018.

The report, which includes a location plan and the scheme drawings, can be found at http://www.reading.gov.uk/media/9740/item18/pdf/item18.pdf.

Councillor Tony Page, Reading Borough Council’s lead member for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport, said: "Route 422 forms part of a much wider council strategy of creating realistic alternatives to the private car.

"It is essential we help manage levels of congestion and air quality to mitigate the thousands of new homes which will be built in the area over the next few years.

"Later this year, the council will be consulting with residents, businesses and organisations on other sustainable transport schemes we can take forward in future years."

While the majority of the works are off-carriageway, there will be some traffic management measures in place throughout the works to enable them to be undertaken safely.

These will be restricted to off-peak hours where possible.

The first phase of Route 422 is made up of shared cycle and pedestrian facilities on the northern side of the Bath Road, running between the borough boundary and along the Bath Road to Southcote Road.

Phase two is due for full completion this spring and involves a mixture of on and off-carriageway cycle facilities linking Bath Road to east Reading, via the town centre.

It includes improved crossing facilities on London Street and other junction improvements.

Existing cycle lanes on Berkeley Avenue are also being widened and complemented by an off-carriageway shared use path to help cater for inexperienced or less confident cyclists, including young cyclists travelling to nearby secondary schools.