EXTRA bus lanes are coming to six different places in Reading after a controversial decision by councillors this month.

The bus lanes were proposed by Reading Borough Council highways officers after the council received  £26.3 million from the government Bus Back Better initiative.

The lanes have been designed to speed up journeys into and out of town. They will be introduced to six areas in Reading after a total of 266 people responded to a public consultation on the changes.

Motorcyclists will be allowed to use the bus lanes for a trial period.

READ MORE: Reading roads and routes that could change in 2024

The lanes are set for implementation soon, with one stretch that could be completed by the end of April.

See an explanation into where the lanes will be and an order of when they could be implemented below:

Oxford Road outbound – Zinzan Street to Bedford Road 

Reading Chronicle: A design for the outbound bus lane in Oxford Road between its junctions with Zinzan Street and George Street in Reading. Credit: StantecA design for the outbound bus lane in Oxford Road between its junctions with Zinzan Street and George Street in Reading. Credit: Stantec

Here, existing road space will be reconfigured to create an outbound bus lane, beginning at the existing bus stop.

This change received 117 supportive comments and 99 objections.

Work will start in February for completion in April this year.

London Road inbound – Liverpool Road to Cemetery Junction 

Reading Chronicle: The two inbound lanes in London Road, Reading. Credit: Google MapsThe two inbound lanes in London Road, Reading. Credit: Google Maps

This controversial change will see the leftmost lane turned into a bus lane, with a break to allow drivers to turn into  St Bartholomew’s Road.

In the consultation, 85 comments supported it, with 122 objections.

Construction will start and end in May. 

Southampton Street inbound – Pell Street to The Oracle

Reading Chronicle: Changes including a short bus lane between Pell Street and The Oracle Roundabout in Reading. Credit: Reading Borough CouncilChanges including a short bus lane between Pell Street and The Oracle Roundabout in Reading. Credit: Reading Borough Council

The smallest of the changes, this will involve creating a 3.9mm bus lane at The Oracle roundabout to create easier access for buses heading north into Bridge Street.

The change received 115 supportive comments and 89 objections.

Procurement of a contract for works will begin in April, for construction completion in September.

Oxford Road outbound – Pangbourne Street to Norcot junction

 Reading Chronicle: The approved outbound bus lane in Oxford Road, Reading between Pangbourne Street and the Norcot roundabout. Credit: Stantec / Reading Borough CouncilThe approved outbound bus lane in Oxford Road, Reading between Pangbourne Street and the Norcot roundabout. Credit: Stantec / Reading Borough Council

Here, a current turning lane for Grovelands Road will be converted into a bus lane, with this lane continuing up to the turning for Reading Retail Park.

The lane will be created using existing road space, with one lane each being maintained for westbound and eastbound traffic.

READ MORE: Ways Oxford Road could change to improve journeys for bus passengers and neighbours 

The change received 122 supportive comments, with 91 being opposed.

Procurement will begin in June, for construction completion in November.

London Road inbound – Sidmouth Street to London Street

Reading Chronicle: The inbound new bus lane in London Road between Sidmouth Street and London Street, Reading. Credit: Ridge / Reading Borough CouncilThe inbound new bus lane in London Road between Sidmouth Street and London Street, Reading. Credit: Ridge / Reading Borough Council

The stretch of London Road currently has three lanes, with two going towards and a third lane turning left into Silver Street.

Stretches of the road will be turned into a bus lane to allow for better turnings into Kendrick Road and London Street.

Buses will be given priority so that they can turn right into London Street to get towards the town centre.

Reading Chronicle: The inbound stretch of London Road in Reading between Sidmouth Street and London Street. The leftmost lane will become a bus lane. Credit: Google MapsThe inbound stretch of London Road in Reading between Sidmouth Street and London Street. The leftmost lane will become a bus lane. Credit: Google Maps

It is understood the existing traffic island would have to be modified to accommodate the bus turning.

These changes received the most opposition, with 134 objections and 77 supportive comments.

Procurement will begin in April, for construction completion this December.

Bath Road outbound – Circuit Lane to Granvile Road

Reading Chronicle: The approved bus lane in Reading between Circuit Lane and the westbound entrance and exit of Granville Road. Credit: Stantec / Reading Borough CouncilThe approved bus lane in Reading between Circuit Lane and the westbound entrance and exit of Granville Road. Credit: Stantec / Reading Borough Council

For this project, the existing carriageway will be widened to create a bus lane between Circuit Lane and the westbound entrance and exit of Granville Road.

In the consultation, 122 comments were received in support with 84 objections.

Procurement will begin in July for construction completion in September 2025.