Footbridge over Kennet & Avon closes today

IT HAS been announced today, Friday, that the Orbit Footbridge over the Kennet & Avon Canal in Reading will close today.

This has been caused due to a funding withdrawal from the government, Janet Friend reports.

It was Reading Borough Council that announced that Orbit Footbridge will close as it tells that funding withdrawal has delayed its planned refurbishment.

Deteriorated over the years

The bridge, built in 1990 had deteriorated over the years, with its wooden decking boards needing to be replaced and the metal structure repainting.

The council has estimated that £1.5m is needed for the refurbishment and a canalside retaining wall programme.

The footbridge will remain closed with its refurbishment included in the council's forward bridges programme, that depends on a DfT funding award.